Roll Call Tribute

Published in Austin American-Statesman on Jan. 19, 2018

Frank Willis(1933 - 2018)
WILLIS, Frank Buchanan Frank was born September 5, 1933, in Laredo, Texas to Mary Adele Buchanan Willis and James Errol Willis. Frank and his older brother Jimmy (James Errol Willis Jr) were raised in Laredo, Texas until 1946 when the family moved to New Braunfels, Texas. Frank was involved in both basketball and football in high school. He enrolled at Texas A&M University in 1950 at the age of 16 where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He graduated with a BA in History in 1954 and had to wait until he turned 21 to receive his commission in the Army as a lieutenant. After Frank was discharged from the Army, he went back to Texas A&M and received his Civil Engineering degree in 1959. After graduation he went to work for HB Zachary Co and continued working for the company until his retirement in 2002. Frank met his wife Georgia Watson Willis in April of 1962 on a blind date and married November 24, 1962, after a whirlwind courtship. They made their first home in Borger, Texas where their son Frank Jr. (Buck) was born in 1964. The family was transferred to San Antonio where their daughter Deborah Fay was born in 1967. They resided in San Antonio until 1984 when Frank was transferred to Austin to work for Capitol Aggregates (owned by HB Zachary). In San Antonio Frank and Georgia were members of Trinity United Methodist Church. The Family was very involved with the church and made many lifelong friendships. At Capitol Aggregates he was appointed Vice President and General Manager. Frank thoroughly enjoyed working at Capitol Aggregates and all of the various challenges associated with the aggregate business. Frank was elected as Chairman of the Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association in 2000. In Austin, the family were members of Northwest Hills United Methodist Church. Frank was a vibrant member of the church; serving on various committees, bible studies and organizations throughout the 33 years of membership. Frank and Georgia both loved the many wonderful friends they made through the church. Frank was a passionate golfer and still continued to golf 2 times a week until his last week. He loved to travel and played at many noteworthy courses. Frank and Georgia made frequent trips all over the world. He particularly enjoyed the river boat cruises in Europe, Egypt and here in the U.S.. His last trip with his wife was to Alaska in 2012. After Georgia's passing, Frank took a trip to Washington DC with his granddaughter (Madison Adele Lewis), daughter, son-in-law (Alan Lewis) and Vivian Lewis. Frank was a former student of Texas A&M and passed his love for the university down to his granddaughter who will be class of '22 making her a 4th generation Aggie. Frank really enjoyed watching sports, but especially the Aggies. In October Frank attended his last Texas A&M football game and those memories are dear to his entire family. Frank passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2018. He survived by his brother James Errol Willis Jr., James children Mary Cay and Ann and their children, Son Buck Willis , Daughter Deborah Lewis, son in law Alan Lewis and his granddaughter Madison Adele Lewis. He is also survived by the many friends who he cherished. They have been a second family to him in his later years. Franks joy in life was expressed by his love of family, passion for travel, commitment to friends and church and enthusiasm for golf. He shared his life and made us smile through his stories that will be oft remembered by all of us who loved him. A Memorial service will be held Saturday January 20, 2018 at 1:00pm at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church 7050 Village Center Dr. Austin, Tx 78731.



Funeral Home
Austin-Peel & Son Funeral Home, Inc.
607 East Anderson Lane Austin, TX 78752
(512) 419-7224