Willis was born on May 29, 1933, to Theodore and Daisy Force Miller north of Brooklyn. He was raised in Hartwick and graduated from Hartwick High School. He was united in marriage with JoAnn Wentland on November 29, 1952, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor. The couple was blessed with ten children. Willis farmed near Victor and also worked at Rohrer Brothers of Victor. After farming, he worked as a mechanic at Leo Kelly Company and later construction. He enjoyed caring for his large yard and his dogs, Teddy and Tessa. He enjoyed collecting miniature International tractors that his grandchildren admired and once in awhile would get to play with one. He loved his Pringles, Diet Pepsi, and Snickers candy bars, but most of all he loved his children and was always bragging about them. Willis is survived by his children, Jane Rupp of Roseville, California, David (Kathy) Miller of Victor, Julie (Larry) Grier of Guernsey, Mary Jo (John) Patton of Victor, Michael Miller of Victor, Jeff Miller of Victor, Randy (Marilyn) Miller of Victor, Lori (Steve) Slaymaker of Marengo, Katie (Jake) Miller of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania and Tim Miller of Blairstown; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; a brother, Dean Miller of Bremerton, Washington; two sisters; Betty (Wayne) Klemmenson of Elberon and Doris Henderson of Adel. Willis passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at his home near Victor. He was 79 years of age and preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, JoAnn; his parents; one brother, Walter Miller and one grandson, Todd Miller.