William Howard "Bill" Willis was born on March 29, 1925, in Clayton, Delaware, the son of Joseph Hancock Willis Sr. and Lide Elizabeth Deats. Bill had four other siblings: Elizabeth Helen Willis (b. 1912), Margaret A. Willis (b. 1914), Joseph Hancock Willis Jr. (b. 1922), and Sarah Kathryn Willis (b. 1927).

Bill was educated at Dover High School and immediately at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on April 3, 1943. He was admitted and began his training as a drill gunner. After completing his training, Bill was assigned to the 790th Bomb Squadron, 467th Bomb Group, which was stationed at RAF Rackheath in England. From here, Bill and his crew flew several missions against Germany.

During Bill's last mission, he managed to leave the aircraft in time. William was soon captured and taken to a prisoner-of-war camp where he served the rest of the war.

After the liberation, Bill returned to America. Here, he married Betty Marie Wessel in 1946. Bill worked as treasurer of the city of Dover and as an alderman to the mayor and city council.

After his retirement, Bill served for many years as chairman of the City of Dover's election commission and as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments. He was a long-time member of the Maple Dale Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf. Bill also enjoyed skiing throughout the United States. As a pilot, he enjoyed flying his own plane and a friend's Bonanza, island hopping from the Caribbean chain south to Grand Turk. Bill was also known for his singing voice, taking part in many local shows as a soloist and as a lead singer in a barbershop quartet known as the Dover Delaires.

Bill passed away on November 26, 2021, in Dover, Delaware.

Source of information: www.slodrenthe.nl