Greene Publishing, Inc. Photo By Rick Patrick, November 8, 2016
George Willis is a World War II veteran and one of Madison's “everyday heroes.” He is pictured here with his wife, Jo.
Rick Patrick - Greene Publishing, Inc.
Heroes come in many forms. Some, like Colin Kelly, perform extreme acts of bravery at the sacrifice of their own safety and even their own lives. Some heroes are able to accomplish great feats of strength. Others still, simply live a life of doing the right thing and serving others. These “everyday heroes” may seem to go unnoticed. Every community has their fair share of these “everyday heroes” and Madison is no exception. One of those everyday heroes right here in Madison is 93 year old George Willis.
Willis is a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps from World War II. When World War II broke out, Willis was just a junior in high school. His young age did not stop him from feeling a sense of duty, so he entered into the Civil Service and began night school to study radio electronics. He received an appointment to work on aircraft in Orlando. According to Willis, it was common at that time for both men and women to go into Civil Service and receive training at night. During this time, Willis also worked as a stock manager for McCrory's 5 & 10 stores. “I was making adult wages at that time, even though it wasn't much,” said Willis.
When he entered into the 12th grade, Willis was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps. The Army Air Corps later became the U.S. Air Force. After basic training at Keesler Air Base in Ms., Willis was stationed in Lincoln, Ne. to work as an aircraft and engine mechanic. Willis was later transferred to Victorville Air Base in Ca. During this time, Willis worked on P-39 aircraft. “They were very fast and very hot for the time. We lost a lot of planes and a lot of pilots then,” recalled Willis. While still in Ca., Willis began working on B-17 and B-25 bomber aircraft. Willis recalled that the citizens of the area were very helpful and friendly to all the servicemen. “[It was] a serviceman's world. They really took care of you. You really felt appreciated,” said Willis. Willis took the opportunity to apply for and was accepted for an opening in Washington D.C. at Andrews Air Base. While at Andrews Air Base, Willis worked on planes for top generals, including the well known Air Corps general, Hap Arnold. “They were the easiest to please,” recalled Willis. Because of the low rate of pay (about $50 per month), Willis also worked evenings loading railroad boxcars for a local rail yard. When the war was over, Willis was discharged from military service after three years and 28 days.
After his military service, Willis came back to Florida and later moved to Texas. While in Texas, Willis took advantage of the G.I. Bill and went to school, studying education. Willis left Texas and made his way back to Sanford, Fl., and later to Madison. Willis worked in real estate for most of his post military life. He retired in the late 80's.
Willis is still very active in the Madison Kiwanis Club, having perfect attendance for over 40 years. Willis and his wife Jo, a retired educator, started the Madison County Education Foundation, which provides scholarship and mentorship opportunities to low income youth of the Madison area. Over the years, there have been dozens of young people who have received scholarships to college, some of these young people have even returned to Madison to teach school themselves.
George Willis' life may not have been filled with daring and adventure. But his dedication and service to others exemplifies the honor that we recognize and salute every Veterans Day. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the “everyday heroes” like Willis.