Elige Willis' Obituary
Oakland, CA — Elige Willis, 88, died at 3:08 am, Tuesday, June 25, 2019 in Oakland, Ca. Elige entered this world on September 4, 1930 to his loving parents Zeke Willis and Arrie Willis in Homer, La.
Elige Willis married to Maxine Willis who proceeded him in death. Elige is the father of four children, Mary Magdalene Willis-Bochum, (Wilbur), Judy Heinemann, California, and Delores Elizabeth Pate, who proceeded him in death; and Paul Garrett, Minnesota.
In addition to his children he leaves behind his loving companion of 25 years, Linda Beck; his adopted daughter Patrice, 7 grandchildren, Willie Franklin, Jr. (Melanie), of North Carolina, Anthony Franklin (Kellie), Gary Franklin (Maxine), Kenith Franklin, California and Latonda Roberson, Arkansas, Joanne Smith (Jim) and Edward Heinemann (Sarah), California He was also the proud grandpa of 16 great-grandchildren and a great, great-grandpa of 4 great-great grandchildren.
Elige often spoke of the host of relatives, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends near and far who held special places in his heart and memory.
Throughout his years, Elige worked in the manufacturing industry in Milwaukee, WI and in Berkeley, CA. He was a long-time member of the Berkeley Lodge #23 in Berkeley, California.
Elige loved listening to blues music, spending time outdoors at Thousand Trails camping resorts throughout California. He enjoyed gardening and would share his crops with the community. To keep busy during his retirement years, he became self-employed recycling salvage. He was a very loving and independent man and was quick to share his knowledge and opinions in everything.
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