William H. Willis, 96
DOVER - William H. Willis passed away on November 26, 2021. Bill was the former City Clerk/Treasurer of the City of Dover and Alderman to the Mayor and Council. He was a World War II veteran joining the Army Air Corps immediately after graduation from Dover High School. He flew combat missions over Germany as a crew member on a B-24 Liberator. His plane was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire resulting in capture of the entire crew after bailing out of the plane and landing in Holland. Several of the crew members were injured, one being killed due to a parachute failure. The crew was interned as POWs until April 29, 1945 after liberation by General Patton's Army.
Bill was a past president of the Dover Optimist Club, first president of the Caesar Rodney Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the American Ex-Prisoners of War and a lifetime member of the 2nd Air Force Division Association of the 8th Air Force.
After retirement, he served many years as Chairman of the City of Dover Election Board and as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments. He was a long-time member of Maple Dale Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf. He also enjoyed snow skiing throughout the United States. As a pilot, he enjoyed flying his plane and a friend's Bonanza, island hopping the Caribbean chain south to Grand Turk. He is also known for his singing voice, participating in many local shows as a soloist and a lead singer in a barbershop quartet known as the Dover Delaires.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lottie and Joseph H. Willis. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty, of 75 years. They truly enjoyed a good life by traveling, playing golf, snow skiing, boating, and living on the ocean on weekends and summer vacations.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Veterans Trust Fund, 802 Silver Lake Boulevard, Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com