DAVID LEE WILLIS SR's Obituary
David came to live in Miami-Dade when his family moved here after WWII. He attended elementary and secondary school here. In fourth grade his dear friend Bob and him were finalists in a spelling bee, but Dave was the last man standing.
When he was in the 6th grade he was recognized by a reporter from the Miami Daily News for calling out the news as he was selling newspapers from the corner of Bird and Ludlam Roads. He had his picture taken and the man complimented him on his salesmanship. The reporter asked him what grade he was in and the name of his teacher. "Miss Bland would be very proud of a smart little businessman like you" David was unbelieving that there would be a story in the newspaper, but the next day, there it was: his photo and a story about the corner newsboy.
David was a decorated Eagle Scout in his teen years. He spent much time in the summer basking at Venetian pool, playing canasta, and eating mayonnaise sandwiches with his cousins, Linda and Mary, and brother, Jim.
During this time, his dad bought a farm in Homestead. David and Jim tended the chickens and helped their mom deliver eggs all over Dade County, while his father delivered milk to customers in Coral Gables. The farm days ended and they "moved back to civilization" according to David.
David and his childhood friend, Bob, were best friends all during the school days from elementary through high school. The two met Allen, and they became "The Three Musketeers." The three friends joined the Naval Reserve and received training just before they graduated from Coral Gables High School and returned from there.
David began working for the electric company in 1957, and subsequently attended the University of Miami, graduating with an industrial engineering degree. He ushered at the Orange bowl games just to see the 'Canes play.
In 1977, he joined Wayside Baptist, and for 30 years he sang in the choir, participated in drama and seasonal productions, and other special ministries. One of these ministries was "The Big Wheels", an outreach to the elderly. He was also active as a coach in the Special Olympics; he was awarded Miami-Dade "Coach of the Year" twice.
After David's days at the electric company, he worked as director of administration and enforcement for the Miami Parking Authority.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Donna; his children: Karen, David Jr., Monica and Chris; many grandchildren, and nephews: Jim II, and Robert; and cousins, Linda and Mary.
In Lieu of Flowers donations to Wayside Baptist Church-Special Ministries-305-595-6550
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