George Josiah Willis was born on 09/26/1957 in Chicago, Illinois at 02:58 am. He was baptized in the Baptist church. He was raised in Chicago, and attended Betsy Ross Elementary School and Lindblom High School.

 While in high school, George studied the  German language and auditioned during an All-City choir competition, winning  1st place in the solo competition as a tenor singing Ave Maria (Schubert). He was then offered an opportunity to attend the Julliard School in New York.

Instead of Julliard, George attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he majored in Journalism, wrote for the school newspaper, was a part-time radio host, and pledged with the  Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. 

George had a great personality, a contagious sense of humor, and got along with everyone he met. He loved to laugh and play jokes. 

In his free time he practiced Aikido, sang, was an amateur chef, ran track, and dabbled in horticulture.  He loved animals and among the many which he brought home included a white rat and a pet snake.

George served in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Analyst SP4, and received medals and ribbons for Good Conduct, Service, Sharp Shooting, Marksmanship, and Overseas Service (Korea).

George worked a few jobs before fulfilling a life dream to become a cook. When he moved to Radcliff, Kentucky, he became a Caterer and Food Truck Owner known as Papa George. He was known to feed the homeless, sold his cooking at outside fairs and events, and catered for various groups & organizations in and around Kentucky. 

George transitioned from this earthly life to eternity, after a long illness, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was preceeded in death by his 2nd wife, Joyce Anne, and both parents.

He leaves to mourn his passing, a son, George Robert Willis, a daughter Ellyse Harreasea Willis, twin sisters, Rev. Odella Willis and Mrs. Odessa Pickett, a nephew, Charles Edward Pickett, and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, George would've wanted donations made to homeless programs and organizations.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/george-willis/obituary/

Copy