Junior H. Willison Obituary (1925 - 2016)

Junior H. "Jay" Willison, age 90, of Lakeview, passed away Friday, June 3, 2016 at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Michigan. The son of Herbert & Addie (Hansen) Willison, he was born on July 23, 1925 in Lakeview. Following his graduation from high school, Jay quickly went from being a farmer's son to a heavy machine gunner while he served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific theater in World War II. Following the war, he returned home to farming... insisting that his father trade in the team of horses for a mechanized tractor... and also had worked at the former Hitachi Magnetics plant in Edmore, before beginning a career as a home builder. On October 16, 1954, in Lakeview, he married Marcia Lee Keyt. A skilled craftsman, he specialized in precise finish carpentry and enjoyed detailed woodcarving as well as caning chairs as hobbies. Jay loved farming and building and attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Howard City. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Willison; and four sisters, Susie Switzer, Ida May Garner, Hazel Goetch, and Lola Nelson. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Marcia Willison of Lakeview; two sons, David Willison of Goodland, Kansas, and Stephen & Joanna Willison of Lakeview; a daughter-in-law, Carol Willison of Greenville; grandson, Ryan & Myra Willison of Louisville, Kentucky; granddaughter, Heather Peugh of Flagler Beach, Florida; three great grandchildren, Cheyenne Willison, Carson Willison, and Greyson Peugh; and a very special friend, Tesla Walter (Jay's caregiver for the past year).