Rev. Willis Edward Davis

Rev. Willis Edward Davis, 95, of Indianapolis, passed away on September 26, 2022. Born August 23, 1927, he lived a long life full of adventure, be it riding the rails to Hollywood at the age of 16 to be an extra in the movies or traveling to Israel in the 1980s to meet then Israeli Minister of Defense Ariel Sharon.

But of the many things he did during his time on earth, he was proudest of having served God as a pastor and missionary and having served his country in three branches of the US Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—during World War II. Feeling called to ministry, he began pastoring his first church in Louisville, KY, in 1961 and went on to found and/or pastor churches in Columbus, OH; Grove City, OH; Johannesburg, South Africa; and American Samoa.

After his retirement, he continued his ministry by offering his guidance, wisdom, and mentorship to younger pastors in Indianapolis, IN, and Clearwater, FL. In his last days, he was most at peace when singing old hymns in Samoan with his daughters. He leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to God and countless lives touched.

He goes now to join his loved ones who have preceded him in death, including his loving wife, Norma, and his siblings, Harold Davis and Naomi Clark. He is survived by his son, Mike Irwin; daughters, Brenda (Leo) Recio, Laura (Jesse) Castillo, and Lois Crady; grandchildren, Chelsea Williams, Antoinette Recio, Victoria Recio, Ryan Young, Jordan Young, Dana Crady, Valerie Beckman, and Paula Lawson; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

His immediate family will celebrate his life in a small, private service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to memorialize Willis may do so by making a donation to their favorite charity in his name.