James "Buster" William Willis

James William "Buster" Willis, 78, proudly of McHenry, MS., was greeted at the gates of heaven by his beloved wife Debra on May 19, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital in Gulfport, where he was surrounded by his family. Buster, as he was lovingly known his whole life, was born October 3, 1946, in McHenry, one of three children to J.C. and Edilene (Saucier) Willis. Buster grew up in McHenry and was known for his craftsmanship on a bulldozer, which he mastered by watching his daddy do it all his life. If you needed dozer work done, then there was only one person you called, and that was JC Willis. Buster proudly took over that role after his daddy passed. He also worked full time for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in the Transportation Department, maintaining the college's fleet of vehicles and buses. Buster worked and drove for more than thirty years and eventually became the Transportation Director, the position he held at his retirement. He was a lifelong member of McHenry First Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon, Sunday School Director, and taught a Men's Sunday School class. He was a founding member of the McHenry Volunteer Fire Department, which most may not know because Buster believed in service to his community and church behind the scenes. Buster and Debra took pride in raising their family right here in McHenry. A place where Buster developed his love for the outdoors and any animal, whether in need of a good belly scratch or released back into the wild where they belonged. He was easy to love, and one thing was for sure: you could always count on Buster Willis. He was so proud of Clifton and Jolene, and nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren. And boy, did he and Debra make sure they were there for every event, game, graduation, and whatever else those grandbabies had going on. Time was how he showed his love, whether to his community, his church, or his family; you knew Buster loved you because he was there. His family will forever hold on to the memories and will certainly miss his smile and bubble gum he always carried in his pocket. Buster is preceded by his loving wife and soulmate, Debra (Hill) Willis; parents, JC and Edilene Willis; in-laws, HT and Nell Hill; and one brother-in-law, Hartley "Pelda" Fairchild. Left to carry on his legacy are his two children, Clifton (Leta) Willis and Jolene (Eric) Strickland; seven grandchildren: Braden (Hannah) Strickland, Kelsey (Caydon) McKey, Carson (Tabetha Edwards) Strickland, Kirsten (Matthew) Bond, Ava Strickland, Lauren (Mason Cameron) Willis, and Cela Strickland; three great-grandchildren: Evie, Maggie, and John Clinton; his sister, Marie Fairchild and his brother, Billy Joe Willis; with his brother and sisters in law: Leslie (Rita) Hill, Phyllis (Ronnie) Porcello, and Tommy (Rosemary) Hill. Buster leaves a legacy of numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, all of whom he loved very much. Services for Buster will be held at McHenry First Baptist Church on Friday, May 23, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am, followed by the funeral service at noon. Afterward, Buster will be laid to rest in McHenry Gardens Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Willis family during this time and ask that you remember Clifton, Jolene, and their families over the difficult days ahead.