Mark Edward “Big Willie” Willis, 62, of Port Arthur, died Wednesday, June 26, 2013, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur. He was born on February 12, 1951, to Patsy and James Willis, Jr., in McKinney, and had been a resident of the Mid-County area most of his life and had attended Nederland High School. Mark was employed as a lab technician for forty years with the Valero Refinery, Port Arthur. He was a member of Nederland Avenue Church of Christ and in his spare time, he enjoyed drawing, powerlifting, and motorcycles.
Mark is survived by his wife, Phyllis Willis of Port Arthur; father, Jim Willis, Jr. of Nederland; sons, Mark Willis, Jr. of Beaumont and Neil Williamson and his wife, Patty, of Nederland; daughter, Janie Kenna and her husband, John, of Nederland; brother, Horty Willis of Port Acres; sisters, Karen Fontenot and her husband, Kevin, of Port Acres and Tammy Gamez and her husband, Mario, of Nederland; grandchildren, Ethan, Ella, and Benjamin Williamson and Tessa Kenna; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother; and niece, Alex Wright.
A gathering of Mr. Willis’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His funeral service will be 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2013, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
