Anthony A Willis

Anthony Alexander Willis was born on September 10, 1960, in Columbus, Ohio to Air Force Veteran DeOsie Willis and Grace Marriott Willis. Anthony was home to be with the Lord on July 17, 2023, and was preceded in death b his older brother Desmond Willis (2018) and his mother Grace Marriott Willis (2020).

Tony, as many would call him, was a man of many talents. He was a straight-A student while working as a lifeguard for the City of Cleveland over the summer months. He collected rar coins and stamps. He also hand-drew a blueprint to scale of his dream house. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1978, he became a Physical Director at Central Recreation known to those in the community as "The Bath House", becoming the first member of his family to be employed full-time by the City of Cleveland. 

After a while, he had a greater calling, which inspired him to enlist in the United States Army. Anthony enjoyed reading, taking long walks, mechanics, and anything that would stimulate his brilliant mind. He was curious about everything. Always wanting to know how things worked at a fundamental level. His laugh was contagious, he had a big heart, he loved working with his hands, and he truly loved his family. 

When he returned home from the military, Anthony put his talents to work. He began employment with a private landscaping company, which landed him a professional landscaping job with Triple G Landscaping, and it was there he remained until he retired. 

It was no secret to his family and close friends that Anthony was a brilliant man. He had an extensive vocabulary and loved to debate his views. He was self-aware and honest, and he challenged those around him to do the same and had no problems with calling you out on it either. 

Anthony leaves to cherish his mother; his only child, daughter Lawanda Slone (Adrian Sloane), step-daughter Maria Kern (Christopher Kern Sr), his grandchildren, Ameliaa Slone, Isaiah Slone, Mariah Kern, Christopher Kern; his father DeOsie Willis, his sister Marcia Oliver (Charles "Ezell" Oliver), his aunt Lorraine Chaumard from France, his uncle Franklin Marriott from England, his niece Dwanna Willis, his great nephews De'Juan Willis, De'Kristian Willis, his great nieces De'Narria Willis and Char'le Ezell, along with 2 great-great nieces Malia Willis and Lyric Willis, and a great-great nephew A'rye Willis; a host of cousins from Jamaica, England, the United States, France, Canada, and a host of other relatives and friends.

 A Celebration Of Life will be held on July 22, 2023, 1:30PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street (off East 71st and Harvard), Cleveland, OH.  

Face Mask Will Be Required For Service.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Anthony's Tribute Wall.