George Melvin Willett

George Melvin Willett, originally of Jonesboro, AR, passed away peacefully with family by his side June 27, 2025, three days shy of his 80th birthday. He was born June 30, 1945 to the late Joseph and Rosa Willett. He is survived by his children Crystal, Tommy (wife Vanessia), Marie (husband Jeffrey), Amanda, stepdaughter Anita, stepson Lynn, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He loved his family, which included four siblings and their spouses who have preceded him in death: Sister Elaine of Holy Angels Convent; Paul (wife Pat); Harold (wife Lois), and Rose Marie (husband Jerry).

George loved to travel. His favorite music was the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. He had a life-long intrigue of all types of animals, especially raccoons and opossums. He especially enjoyed fishing in his free time.

George was known for his do-it-yourself talent when it came to repairing anything around the house and automobiles. He was always looking to invent something to save or make money to support his family. Out of high school he entered the world of elevator repair and installation, and for 40 years he worked for Westinghouse Elevator, Tri-State (A Dover Elevator Subsidiary), and Otis Elevator, and retired as an Honorary Retiree from the International Union of Elevator Constructors. He spent a lot of his retirement years renovating houses and then financing them to new homeowners.

George developed Lewy Body Dementia in his final years. He spent his last months at Cardinal Care in Dunn, NC, receiving Hospice care.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 7 from 5:30-6:15pm at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3414 N Shiloh Rd, Garner, NC 27529. Following visitation, the memorial service begins at 6:30pm. Burial will be in Jonesboro, AR.

In lieu of flowers, his children request that a donation be made to help research at Alzheimer's Association or a dementia research center of choice. The memorial video can be found at

www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com/obituaries