Alachua – Willis English, age 87, passed away on November 19, 2012, at Haven Hospice surrounded by his family. He was born in Plant City, FL, grew up in Cross City, and moved to Gainesvillein 1961 with his wife and their children.
Willis was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and an entrepreneur with some of his business adventures being: owning a country store in Old Town, a self-employed traveling salesman, and most recently managing his rental properties. He loved meeting people and teaching God’s word to everyone he met. He enjoyed visiting with people, gardening, landscaping, and mostly his family. He was a blessing to all who knew him and would give away everything he had to help someone in need.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, who passed just 9 days before him, Jacqueline “Jackie” English; mother Arie Jane Golden; father Redding English; step- father Gordon Golden; sister Marie “Sister” Osteen; brothers Willard English and WA “Dub” English.
He is survived by sons Jimmy English and Chris English (Julianne); daughters Joyce Adams (Ronny), Jeanie Siraj (Shariq), and Janice Brogan (Michael); Grandsons Joey Peiso and Jackson English; Granddaughters Holly Taylor (Tracy), Kandace Collins (Rusty), Aliya Webb (Jordan), Henna Siraj, Jaelyn Peiso (Stephanie), Saramarie Brogan, and Caroline English; nephews Billy Keen and Pat Chewning; nieces Patricia Strickland (Estes), Betty Bruce (Harrell), Gail Rio, Sheila Jones (Wayne) and Linda Boone (Glenn); four great grandchildren, many great nieces, nephews, and friends
A celebration of life will be from 1:00 – 2:30 PM, Friday, November 23, 2012 at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville. Burial will follow. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Haven Hospice.
