January 24th, 1951 - August 18th, 2020
Funeral services for Gaylorde George Willis, 69, of Enid will be held 10:00 am, Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Ladusau-Evans Chapel with Reverend Norris Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Enid Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Gaylorde was born January 24, 1951 in Camden, New Jersey to William T and Ola Mae Young Willis. He grew up in Burlington, New Jersey. Gaylorde attended school at Howard and Rutgers Universities. After college, he joined the United States Air Force, serving four years. He served as a civil servant employee for over twenty years. After which he retired from Vance Air Force Base. While serving his country, Gaylorde met the love of his life Shirley Nelson in Germany. They married in Reno, Nevada on September 5, 1976. Together they raised their two children. They lived in Arizona and Alaska before moving to Enid. Gaylorde received his Deacon’s License as well as his Ministry License while serving at First Missionary Baptist Church. Later he served at Grayson Missionary Baptist Church. He was an avid bowler scoring two 300 games, which earned him two Elite rings. He was the best griller ever and also loved to cook for church functions, from frying turkeys to baking cakes. He was an active cook for many Vance Air Force Base military functions. Gaylorde also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Gaylorde is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley; daughter, Erin Willis; son, Taurean Willis and his wife Jamie; grandchildren, Mya and Jaedyn; brother, Glenn Willis and his wife Sara; sisters, Gayla Scott and her husband Randy, Glenda Freeman and brother, William Willis, Jr and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to the Leona Mitchell Southern Heights Heritage Center and Indian Museum with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodians of the funds.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
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Enid's Only Faith-based, Not-For-Profit, Complete Continuous Care Community. Including Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Apartments and Townhomes.
