Cecil Oswald Willis, who was affectionately called Uncle Cecil by many, was born on March 21, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He was the son of the late Richard Byrd Willis and Effie White Willis.  At an early age, Cecil accepted Christ and was baptized at the Willis family church, Shady Grove Baptist, in Orange County, Virginia.

The eighth of ten children, Richard, Wilbur, Thomas, Elmer, Adolph, Mable, Lillian, Isabel, and Irma, all who preceded Cecil in death, grew up in "The Village" a North Philadelphia neighborhood.

Educated in the School District of Philadelphia, Cecil attended Walton and McIntire elementary schools, Fitzsimons Junior High School, and Ben Franklin High School.  Following graduation from Franklin, he continued his studies at Temple Community College in East Mt. Airy.  His life-long commitment to education and training was evidenced in his appetite for self-improvement and advancement when he became interested in law enforcement.

Cecil served the nation valorously in the United States Army before joining the Philadelphia Police Department.  He was drafted in 1951, and after 4 months he was sent to Korea.  Cecil received an honorable discharge after serving in the Korean War for 11 months.

During that same year, he married the love of his life, the then Lithan Ross (a resident of "The Village").  They were married on March 11, 1951 in Wilmington, Delaware, and are the proud parents of two children Cecil Karl Willis and Pamela Celeste Willis Bradley. Cecil adored Lithan with his whole heart. Cecil was lucky to be married to his best friend for almost 70 years. Lithan devoted her life to taking care of Cecil until the very end. She made sure he never missed one day of dialysis in 11 years. Their love story was iconic.

There is a saying that an "apple does not fall far from the tree," which proved true for Cecil's children, Cecil "Butch" and Pamela. Cecil always instilled a standard of excellence throughout their childhood and adult life while teaching them to pay close attention to details, like any good detective. These attributes served Butch well as he became an accomplished high-level budget analyst for the Pentagon, while Pamela became a systems engineer for General Electric and Lockheed Martin. These gifts Cecil passed on to his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Cecil served 54 years in the criminal justice system and received many commendations during his tenure in recognition of his devotion and outstanding performance to duty.

Cecil began his career with the Philadelphia Police Department, where he was employed there for 25 years, following the career path of his brother, Thomas M. Willis, who also served 25 years.  From 1953 to 1978, Cecil was a highly respected detective and was then promoted to Corporal.  He was sent to the 35 ^th Police District to run the Operations Room.  Cecil was later assigned to the North Central Detective Division, the Homicide Division, and the Northeast Detective Division, where he retired in 1978.

After retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department, Cecil joined the Defender Association of Philadelphia, where he served as Senior Investigator in the Homicide Division from 1978 to 2003.  He was also a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the National Defense Investigator Association.

With his wife Lithan, Cecil was a long-time member of the Woodcrest United Church of Christ. Cecil and Lithan were in travel clubs with friends through the years and took many trips around the world; including Europe, Asia and the Far East. Cecil's adventurous spirit instilled the curiosity to travel in his children and grandchildren.

Cecil loved and lived for his grandchildren. Their escapades were legendary. He never missed a play, birthday party, horseback riding event, basketball tournament, or graduation. He beamed with pride with every milestone in their lives. Julian and Eryka always knew they were loved beyond measure. Their bond with their Pop Pop will be with them for the rest of their lives.

Cecil was also the consummate host.  He had a magnetic and engaging personality. He lit up the room as soon as he walked in. Cecil could not help but take command of the room. He was larger than life and made the best speeches or toasts. Cecil was a great storyteller and family comedian who could always hold court, reciting countless jokes, poems, or stories. His gracious home was not only the hub of family life for his children and extended family but was also a place where he regularly enjoyed playing pinocle, held spirited chats with friends, and watched sports.  Cecil enjoyed sports as a participant (golf and fishing) and as a spectator.

Above all his hobbies and interests, Cecil was at his core a family man, and made an amazing impact on the lives of those who loved him the most.  Cecil always believed it took a village to raise a child. He understood his role of being a role model and surrogate father and grandfather to family and friends. He was a doting father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend who early on steeped his family in African American history and culture. He was vivacious, generous, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal person who will forever be missed.

Cecil's legacy of love will be cherished by his devoted wife, Lithan Willis; Two children Cecil Karl Willis and Pamela Celeste Willis Bradley; One son-in-law Rendell Bradley; Two grandchildren Julian Alexander Bradley and Eryka Lithan LaRen Bradley; One sister-in-law Ruth Willis. He leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. The family wants to thank everyone, whose numbers are too many to name, for all the outpouring of love and support.

Sorrowfully Submitted,

The Family

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