Albert Willis

July 21, 1940 - January 04, 2025

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Obituary for Albert Willis

Albert Willis passed away suddenly on January 4, 2025. He was born to the late Emma & Albert Willis in St. Louis, Missouri on July 21, 1940.

On January 4, 2025, God’s angels descended and escorted Albert Willis through Heaven’s gates. Albert was born on July 21, 1940, to Emma and Albert Willis of Richmond Heights, Missouri. He was the youngest of nine children and grew up in the church founded by his grandfather Andy Williams. At a young age, Albert was responsible for ensuring that the church was warm and ready for Sunday services. Albert attended and graduated from Maplewood Richmond Heights High School in 1958. In high school, he excelled in drafting and woodshop, was a wrestling team member, sang in the choir, and served as equipment manager for the football team.

After graduating high school, Albert moved to Boston, MA with his brother Ernest Willis seeking new opportunities. He would later meet the love of his life, Barbara Hill, while delivering to RadioShack in Boston where she was employed. After a short courtship, Albert and Barbara married in 1964. Their marriage lasted for 50 years until Barbara’s passing in 2015. From this union, they had four children: Albert, Kenneth, Karen, and Anissa.

Albert enjoyed a 30-year-plus career as a custodian for the City of Boson Public School System, where he took pride in his work and loved interacting with students and teachers. He achieved the rank of Head Custodian and served on his union’s executive board until his retirement in 2002.

Albert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he was known for his kindness and unwavering dedication to his family. In his personal life, he loved fishing, music, barbecuing, and engaging in family events, such as cookouts and camping trips. He was often referred to as the “grill master”. Albert especially enjoyed taking the entire family fishing. He also played in a softball league where he pitched for the Bowdoin Allstars for many years. He was passionate about all the New England sports teams and enjoyed auto racing. He was always present and willing to help anyone in need. Albert's legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is survived by his sons Albert Willis of Randolph, MA, Kenneth Willis and spouse Tamethea Willis of Stoughton, MA; daughters Karen Clay and spouse Darrell Clay of Swampscott, MA, and Anissa McKissick and Gerald McKissick of Quincy, MA; grandchildren Kenneth Willis Jr., Kayla Lamarre, Horace, and Andrew Hamilton, and Darell Clay Jr. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Kaidyn Willis, Malik and Monae Lamarre, and Josiah and Payton Hamilton and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Concord Baptist Church, 180 Blue Hill Avenue, MILTON on Friday, January 17th from 10-11AM.

Funeral Service to begin at 11AM. Relatives and friends invited.

Interment Private.

Services

17 Jan

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Concord Baptist Church of Milton 180 Blue HIll Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
17 Jan

Funeral Service

11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Concord Baptist Church of Milton 180 Blue HIll Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 16, 2025

    My condolences to the Willis family I had the pleasure of serving on our union board and working with him in Mattapan Rest in Peace my friend Mike Silk

  • January 15, 2025

    Al was a unique spirit, someone the world needs more of. His humor, generosity, sense of fun, and great cooking made camping trips, a vacation in New Hampshire, and other events a joy. I hope the folks in heaven are ready to get down with some Trammps, O'Jays, and Tavares! Rest in peace Al.

  • January 13, 2025

    My sincerest condolences to the entire Willis family. May God keep you in this time of mourning...

  • January 10, 2025

    Our sincere condolences to my Uncle Albert from the family of Ronald Willis. To my cousins; "Be full of sorrow, that you may become a hill of joy. Weep, that you may break into laughter."

  • January 10, 2025

    My deepest condolences to, Kenny, and to the entire family. Prayers and peace, Michael

  • January 09, 2025

    Pops, I will miss hearing your colorful tales of life in Missouri, and how you made it to Boston. As we listen to the oldies on Kenny's back deck

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