Michael Willis

Michael James Willis died on Monday, May 15 in Bakersville, NC at the age of 48.Michael is survived by James and Emma Jean Willis, his parents, of Bakersville; his companion, Kym Tolley; children, Nicki Willis, Malachi Willis; John and Katie Tolley, who he considered his children; daughter-in-law, Jamie Willis, grandson, Oliver Willis; sibling, Vicky Willis Ayers, brother in-law, Chris Ayers, and nephew, Will Ayers, all of Charlotte. Michael is preceded in death by his brother, Chris.Michael was born on November 21, 1968 in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. He graduated from Mitchell High School and attended Mars Hill College. Michael worked as a Mechanical/Chemical Engineer at Coates North America for 15 years.Michael cared deeply for his family and friends, and words can’t express his love and care for his parents, companion, children, and sister. Michael had many close friends, and particularly enjoyed those with whom he played his guitars. He learned from his father how to fix anything, weave stories about places and people in the mountains, and learned from his mother and maternal grandmother how to be empathic to all, especially the least of these and those who experienced rejection. Those who knew him well treasured his wit, humor, and extensive knowledge about a wide range of subjects.The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 21 at 3:30 p.m. at Bear Creek Baptist Church, in Bakersville, NC, followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. and then a graveside service. Rev. Dr. Chris Ayers, Michael’s brother-in-law, and Rev. Dr. Andy Willis, Michael’s cousin, will officiate, along with Rev. Bruce Cannon and Rev. Chris Rathbone. Music for the service will be provided by Rhonda Gouge, Michael’s cousin.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Blue Ridge Conservancy, which has worked with willing landowners and local communities to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational, and scenic value in Northwest North Carolina (https://blueridgeconservancy.org/donate) or to Hot Topics Foundation, which over the last ten years gave nearly $9 million in grants to non-profit organizations that create music and arts programs for young people across the country - at schools and beyond. Use this link to make a donation (http://www.hottopic.com/product/hot-topic-foundation-donation/991001-000.html?cgid=cs-foundation).Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to our website; www.webbfh.com., selecting Michael Willis name and then you may sign his guestbook. Webb Funeral Home of Spruce Pine is honored to be assisting the Willis family. Michael’s obituary has also been posted on Facebook for viewingRead Obituary