2008 Obituary Archives
 
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Helen Marie McElyea

 

 

Helen Marie McElyea, age 74, of Mountain City, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2008 in Johnson City Medical Center.

 

Marie was born on February 16, 1934 in Johnson County to the late Sam Bryant and Beulah Michaels Bryant. She loved her family and will be truly missed. Marie liked to read and be with other people. She retired from Burlington Industries and was a former employee of Boone Trail Dairy Bar for many years.

 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence McElyea on November 9, 2005 and a grandson, Brad Dunn  on June 22, 1991, sisters: Lizzie Crutchfield, Sue Main, Betty Jennings, Mae Eldreth,, and Louise Bryant; brothers: Willard Bryant, Earl Bryant and Leonard Bryant.

 

Survivors include her daughters, Kathy Dunn and husband Paul, Linda Wilson and husband Lewis and Sheila Story and husband Steve, all of Mountain City; son, Danny McElyea and wife Tammy of Mountain City; grandchildren, Matt Story and Chris McElyea of Mountain City, Bethany Allen and husband Nick of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Angie Carico and husband Jesse of Elizabethton, TN.; one great-grandson, Logan Allen of Winston-Salem, N.C.; sister, Ann McElyea and husband Lewis of Mountain City; brothers: Carl Bryant and wife Betty and Burl Bryant and wife Joyce, all of Mountain City; several nieces and nephews, and special friend Lola Mae Pardue.

 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home with the service to follow at 8:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill McGuire officiating. Music will be provided by Phil and Wendy Arnold.  Pallbearers will be Paul Dunn, Lewis Wilson, Steve Story, Chris McElyea, Matt Story, Nick Allen and Jesse Carico. Honorary pallbearers will be former employees of Boone Trail Dairy Bar. The interment service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 16th in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum. Those who wish to attend are asked to assemble at the funeral home for departure at 10:45 a.m.

 

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Johnson County Rescue Squad, 203 Vandilla Street, Mountain City,  TN 37683.

 

The family will also receive friends at the home of her daughters, Linda Wilson, 241 Rainbow Road or Kathy Dunn, 2300 Highway 91 N, both in Mountain City.

 

 

 

Jerry Lee Dugger

 

Jerry Lee Dugger, age 62, of Big Dry Run Road, Butler, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at his residence.

 

Jerry was born on October 15, 1945 in Johnson County to the late Pearl Mink Proffitt. He was a combat veteran of the United States Army and served in Viet Nam. He was the owner of Tri-State Distributing from 1991-1996. He was a long time member of the Roan Creek Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd degree mason and served for 18 years as a member of the Johnson County School Board. Jerry loved his family, especially being a grandfather and liked hiking in the mountains.

 

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Martha Arney Dugger; one son, Kermit Dugger and wife Taffy, and  one grandson, Gaston Osiris Dugger, all of Butler; half sister Bernice Proffitt of Mountain City and many special friends.

 

Private graveside services will be held Saturday with military honors to be conducted by the Johnson County Honor Guard. 

 

Those who wish may send memorial contributions to FMC Dialysis Services, c/o Diane Lipford, 120 Pioneer Village Drive, Mountain City, TN 37683.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Jean Wallace

 

Betty Jean Wallace, age 66, of Trade, went home to be with Jesus, Sunday, August 10, 2008 at her residence surrounded by her family.

 

Betty was born on May 6, 1942 in Watauga County, NC to the late Ruby Price Vannoy. She loved red birds, taking care of her home and especially her grandchildren. She was a member of Roan Creek Baptist Church and was a Sunday School teacher.

 

Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Tommy Wallace; two daughters, Kim Wilson and husband Brian and Debra Phillips and husband Joey, all of Trade; three grandsons, Samuele Wilson, Sawyer and Silas Phillips; brother, J. L. McCrary and wife Sheila of Triplett, NC; sister-in-law, Joyce Stephens of Creston, NC; brother-in-law, Elmer Wallace of Alexandria, VA; two nieces; three nephews; special cousin, Debe Jones of Boone, NC; and many special friends.

 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at Roan Creek Baptist Church with the service to follow at 8:00 p.m. with Pastor Derick Wilson, Pastor Rick Thomason and Pastor Derl McCloud officiating. Music will be provided by the Fletcher Family. Pallbearers will be R. K. Jones, William Price, Keith Wilson, Bill Wallace, Tim Nelson and Rick Roop. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13th in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Zionville, NC.

 

The family will also receive friends at the home, 555 Wallace Road, Trade.

 

Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Roan Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 662 Lumpkins Branch Road, Mountain City, TN or Adventa Hospice, 203 Forge Creek Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.

 

 

Geter Butler Walsh

 

Geter Butler Walsh, age 77, of Mountain City, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2008 at his residence.

 

Geter was born June 25, 1931 in Johnson County to the late Cecil and Addie Moretz Walsh.  Geter was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  He loved his family and will be truly missed. Geter also enjoyed fishing and woodworking.

 

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Faith Lee Ann Walsh and Tracy Brinker.

 

Survivors include his wife, Iris McFadden Walsh; daughter, Roxanne Snyder and husband Jerome of Mountain City; sons, Kirby Walsh and wife Julie of New Mexico, Edward Walsh and wife Debbie of Missouri and Luther Walsh and fiancée Kara of Johnson City, TN; sisters, Peggy Jennings and husband Ben and Juanita Trivett and husband Ted, all of Mountain City; brother, Carnell Walsh and wife Ruth of Lenoir, NC; grandchildren, Lisa Self and husband Kris, Jeffry Brinker, Chasity Light, Joshua Snyder, Ethan Snyder, Kaylae Snyder, Jason Walsh, Stacy Walsh, Greg Walsh and wife Candice, Matthew Walsh, Kimberly Walsh, Jacob Walsh, Elizabeth Walsh, Sylvia Walsh, Anthony Walsh, Mickey Walsh, Robert Walsh and Dustin Walsh;  great-grandchildren, Caden Self, Abby Self, Brayden Walsh, Carson Walsh, Ashland Meadows, Steven Meadows, Lasha Battle, Shadae Scott and Jason Walsh, Jr.; uncles, Dwight Adams and Ray Adams; special nephew, Shawn Jennings; special cousin, Chris Greer; special friends, Richard Walsh and Brenda Snyder and several nieces and nephews.

 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home with the service to follow at 8:00 p.m. with Pastor Lonnie Denny officiating. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6th at Ashland County Memorial Park, Ashland, Ohio with a military service following.

 

The family will also receive friends at the home, 880 Moretz Road, Mountain City.

 

 

Judy Elaine Lowe Price

 

Judy Elaine Lowe Price, age 54, of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Mountain City, passed away Friday, July 25, 2008 in Carolina Rehab Center of Cumberland after a lengthy illness.

 

Judy was born on July 12, 1954 in Johnson County to the late Doran and Julita Pleasant Lowe.  She was a United States Army veteran and worked for 15 years as a nurse at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Sam Nelson.

 

Survivors include her husband, Mike Price; daughters, Christina and Laura of Fayetteville; sister, Carolyn Lowe Nelson of Mountain City; nieces, Delores “Sissy” Hedrick and husband Mike of Boone, Sonya Proffitt and husband Joe of Mountain City and Kendra Dale; nephew, Jeff Nelson and wife Bonnie of Mountain City and special friends, Linda and Brenda of Shady Valley.

 

A memorial service for Mrs. Price will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 2008 at Southside Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Gary Hill officiating. Music will be provided by Mary Hawkins. The family will receive friends after the service.

 

 

 

Ervin Keith Lewis

 

Ervin Keith Lewis, age 48, of Trade, passed away Friday, July 25, 2008 at Johnson County Community Hospital.

 

Ervin was born on August 13, 1959 in Johnson County to Shirley Crosswhite Lewis and the late Deck Lewis. Ervin loved music, race cars, racing, being at the lake and water skiing. He also liked working on airplanes.

 

In addition to his father, Ervin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sherman and Nellie Crosswhite and Delbert and Ann Lewis; uncles, George Price and Floyd Potter; aunt, Marjorie and Ed Horne; and cousin, Robin Price

 

Survivors include two daughters, Heather Lewis of Newland, NC and Crystal Blevins of Virginia; mother, Shirley Crosswhite Brown; brothers, Darrell Lewis and wife Marilee of Boone and Aaron Brown and wife Tammy of Butler; nieces, Holly, Heaven and Hannah Brown; nephew, Mitchell Lewis and wife Amy; aunts, uncles and cousins; and special friend, Alice Edwards.

 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home with the memorial service to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Jody Almond officiating.

 

The family will also receive friends at the home of his mother, 257 Highway 67 N, Trade.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Johnson County Rescue Squad, 203 Vandilla St., Mountain City, TN 37683 or Trade Volunteer Fire Dept., c/o Paul Stout, P. O. Box 35, Trade, TN 37691.

 

 

Orphia Susanne Stamper

 

Orphia Susanne Farmer Stamper, age 87, of Mountain City, formerly of White Top, VA, passed away early Monday morning , July 14, 2008 in Johnson City Medical Center.

 

Mrs. Stamper was born on March 20, 1921 in Grayson County, NC. She loved her family and liked to play with her great grandchildren. She also liked to fish and garden. Orphia had been attending Rainbow Menonite Church.

 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Millard Furches who passed away in 1970 and her late husband, Worth Stamper; sister, Lourene Farmer Surber; and two brothers, Tommy Farmer and Vernie Farmer.

 

Survivors include her daughter, Mary Jane Harless of Mountain City; son, James Allen Furches and wife Christine of Marion, VA; granddaughter, Jessica Furches of Shady Valley; two grandsons, David Burns and wife Donna and Jackie Harless and wife Ramona, all of Mountain City; four great grandchildren, Jacob Vaught, Seth Furches, Karah Burns and Ayden Harless; two sisters, Effie Farmer Taylor and Kathleen Farmer Hensley, both of White Top, VA; two brothers, Bill Farmer and wife Deanna of Lansing, NC and Wilton Farmer and wife Wilma of White Top, VA; two step-sons, Fealouse Stamper of White Top, VA and Darryl Stamper of Independence, VA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Farmers Missionary Baptist Church, White Top Gap Road, with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor T. A. Pennington officiating. Burial will follow in the Farmer Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jacob Vaught, Brian Vaught, David Burns, Jackie Harless, Fealouse Stamper and Scott Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Elmer Stansberry and Kenny Taylor.

 

The family will also receive friends at the home of her daughter, Mary J. Harless, 2000 Crossroads Drive, Apt. F1, Mountain City.

 

  

Paul E. Pennington

 

Paul E. Pennington, age 52, of Mountain City, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at Johnson County Community Hospital.

 

Paul was born on April 26, 1956 in Johnson County to Carrie Lee Norris Pennington and the late Willie R. Pennington.  Paul loved his family and will truly be missed.  He had attended Northeast State Community College and was a previous member of Long Rifleman Association.  He was employed for 22 years at Mountain City Glove Plant and also worked as a custodian at Johnson County Health Department and the First United Methodist Church of Mountain City.  Paul’s hobbies were writing poetry, drawing and working with iron and wood.

 

Survivors include his mother, Carrie Lee Pennington of Mountain City; one sister, Cassie Pennington of the home; one brother, Robert Pennington and wife Norma Kay of Mountain City; one niece, Angela Campbell of Mountain City and two great nephews, Joe and Dan Campbell of Butler; several aunts and uncles and a special uncle, Ray Pennington and wife Evelyn of Mountain City; special friends, Larry Canter, Jack Wilson, Tony Norris, Jimmy Stanley, Mitchel Lewis and wife Amy, and Sam Smith.

 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Mountain City Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Morris and Rev. Larry Rye officiating. Burial will follow in the Reece Memorial Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Larry Canter, Jack Wilson, Tony Norris, Jimmy Stanley, Mitchel Lewis and Travis Potter.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dan and Joe Campbell, J. E. Stanley, Harold Morefield, Joe Horne, Bobby Harper, David Stanley, Jeff Norris, Steve Norris, Bobby Norris, Danny Norris,   Timmy Norris and Johnny Morefield.

 

The family will also receive friends at the home, 203 Pennington Rd., Mountain City.

 

 

Kay Evelyn Hensley

 

Kay Evelyn Hensley, age 66, of Mountain City, passed away Saturday, July 05, 2008 in Select Specialty Hospital, Nashville, TN., after a lengthy illness.

 

Kay was born on July 10, 1941 in Rittman, Ohio, daughter of the late Ellis and Martha Garver, but lived most of her life in Mountain City after marrying Roger Hensley.  Kay was a faithful member of Liberty Christian Church and was retired from National Textiles.

 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Randall Garver.

 

Survivors include her loving husband of 50 years, Roger Hensley, two daughters, Christine Tipton and husband Teddy of Johnson City and Kim Sluder and husband Gary of Mountain City; one son, Roger Dion Hensley and his fiancée Debbie Bunten and her son Daniel of Mountain City; six grandchildren, Ashley Tipton Reeser and husband Adam, Tonya Tipton, Amanda Sluder Taylor and husband Greg, Chad Sluder, Derek Reece and D.J. Hensley; one great grandchild, Lauren Ashley Reeser and several nieces and nephews.

 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home with the memorial service to follow at 8:00 p.m. with Jim Hutchinson and Chris Morefield, Ministers to officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be Gail Fenner, Carl Williams, Terry Thompson, Dick Pleasant, Jeff Cornett and Benny Grindstaff.

 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Select Specialty Hospital for all the love and care they gave to us and our Mother.  Also to all those at Liberty Christian Church and special friends, Dick Pleasant, Teresa Garland, Joe Atwood, Jeff Cornett, Jim and Sue Hensley, Chris and Trish Morefield, Terry and Sharon Thompson, Benny and Linda Grindstaff, James Laing, Carl and Dorothy Williams and all the churches that included Kay and the family on their prayer list and to anyone else that has helped in anyway that we may have missed.

 

Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Liberty Christian Church, c/o Valerie Widner, 37393 Chestnut Mountain Road, Damascus, VA 24236.

 

 

 

 

Billy Jack Morefield

 

Billy Jack Morefield, age 51, of Boone, NC, formerly of Mountain City, passed away Monday, July 07, 2008 at his residence.

 

Billy was born on April 13, 1957 in Ashe County to Stella Denny Morefield and the late Bart Morefield.  He was a veteran of the United States Army. Billy loved his family and enjoyed life.

 

Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Jean Rankins Morefield; son, Billy Bart Morefield and wife Charlotte Rebecca of Mountain City; sister, Cindy Taylor and husband Jim of Mountain City; brother, Mike Morefield and wife Ditti of Granite Falls, NC; grandson, Joseph Dale Morefield; nieces, Deirdre Morefield, Jennifer Self, Kelly Self, Trish Vance and Michelle Vance; and nephews, Jimmy Taylor, Michael Taylor, David Taylor, Clark Self, John Reece, Ricky Height, Derrick Vance, Josh Vance and Michael Clay Morefield.

 

The funeral service for Billy will be conducted at the graveside at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008 in Phillippi Cemetery with Pastor Gary Gambill officiating. Pallbearers will be Michael Taylor, Jimmy Taylor, David Taylor and Mike Morefield.

 

 

 

Paul Truitt Grindstaff

 

Paul Truitt Grindstaff, age 76, of Okeechobee, Florida, formerly of Mountain City, passed away peacefully Monday, July 07, 2008 at his residence.

 

Mr. Grindstaff was born on March 24, 1932 in Doeville, TN to the late Henry and Maude Pleasant Grindstaff. He married Barbara Anne Greer on August 2, 1952 and relocated to Belle Glade, FL where they began a family. He spent most of his life in the produce business. He was loved and respected by family, friends and many colleagues. In 1993 he was awarded the Life Time Achievement Award by the Glades Sales Association. After many years of hard work, he and his wife relocated to Okeechobee in 1997 to enjoy retired life.

 

Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara Grindstaff of Okeechobee; two daughters, Vickie McMullen and husband Jim of Belle Glade and Stacey Collins and husband Eric of Okeechobee; son, Michael Grindstaff and wife Christa of Winter Park, FL; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two brothers, Jack Grindstaff and wife Wilma of Columbia, SC and Bill Grindstaff and wife Carolyn of Creedmoor, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at First Baptist Church of Belle Glade, FL. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 11th at Mountain City Funeral Home with the service to follow at 3:00 p.m. with Richard Moorhouse, Minister officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

 

Arrangements in Florida were handled by Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 205 N.E. 2nd Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972.

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Mae Ford

 

Patricia Mae Ford, age70, of Moravian Falls, NC, formerly of Trade, passed away Friday, July 4, 2008 at her residence.

 

Patricia was born on February 16, 1938 in West Chester, PA to the late George Miff Worth and Margaret Mae Peters Worth. She was retired from DeValt Meat Packing Co., Phoenixville, PA after 25 years and moved to North Carolina. She liked to fish and enjoyed playing bingo. She was a member of Centerview Church of Christ.

 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ephrian Cecil Ford.

 

Survivors include two sisters, Shirley A. Miller and husband Stacy of Trade and Barbara Williams of Honey Brook, PA; brother, Howard Worth of Dowingtown, PA; three nieces, Rainnie Chatham and husband David of Moravian Falls, NC, Debra Williams of Florida and Stacie Stout and husband Chris of Mountain City; two nephews; great nieces, Jennifer Eller, Shania Osborne and Jessica Williams; and great-great niece, Dixie Eller.

 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home with the service to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Bill Reece, Minister officiating. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 8th in Reece Cemetery, Trade, TN. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

 

 

Dorothy Mae Cress

 

Dorothy Mae Cress, age 89, of Mountain City, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2008 at Johnson County Community Hospital.

 

Mrs. Cress was born on September 29, 1918 in Johnson County to the late Charlie and Della Johnson Payne. She liked sewing, quilting, and gardening. Dorothy loved her family and grandchildren and will truly be missed. She was a member of Liberty Christian Church but had been attending Dewey Christian Church.

 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Raymond Cress on February 12, 2007; son, Allen Cress; grandson, Mark Allen Cress; sisters, Virgie Greer and two infant sisters; and brothers, Luther Payne and Gurney Payne.

 

Survivors include three daughters, Marjorie Halsey and husband Randy of Newton, NC, Elsie Parsons and husband Fred of Hickory, NC and Paulette Morefield and husband Jerry of Mountain City; son, Bud Cress and wife JoAnn of Johnson City; sister, Pauline Owens of Mountain City; brother, Worley Payne of Mountain City; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

 

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with C. D. “Bud” Gentry, Minister officiating. Music will be provided by Patty McKinney. Burial will follow in Phillippi Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Danny Morefield, Brian Morefield, Phillip Parsons, Richard Lipford, Raymond Cress and James Lefler. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Donald Walters and staff.

 

The family will also receive friends at the home, 274 Corner Road, Mountain City.

 

 

Earl Joseph Woodard

 

Earl Joseph Woodard, age 61, of Mountain City formerly of Roundabout Road, Creston, NC, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2008 in Johnson County Community Hospital.

 

Earl was born on February 28, 1947 in Ashe County, NC to the late Lester and Ruby B. Woodard. He liked to farm and make woodcrafts when he was able.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Belle Lewis and Grace Woodward and two brothers, Hoover Woodard and Lester Woodard, Jr.

 

Survivors include sisters, Pauline Stares and husband James and Bobbie Roten, both of Ohio and Mary Jane Faircloth of West Jefferson; brothers, Bill Woodard and wife Rosemary and Glenn Woodard and wife Ruby, both of Mountain City; special friends, Sally Horne, Thelma Horne, Rick Moore, Les Brooks, Becky Wilson, Kim Roark and staff of Mountain City Care Center; and several nieces and nephews.

 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home with the service to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Ray Branch and Rick Moore officiating. Music will be provided by Kristen Branch and Tammey Roberts. Pallbearers will be friends and family. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 2nd in Earl’s favorite spot on the home place at 1576 Roundabout Road, Creston, NC.

 

The family will also receive friends at the home of his brother, Bill, 2633 McEwen Road, Mountain City.

 

 

 

Denver Dee Eller

 

Denver Dee Eller, age 90, of Fairhaven St., Mountain City, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2008 at the Sycamore Shoals Hospital.

 

Denver was born on June 30, 1917 in Ashe County, NC to the late George and Ira Wyatte Eller. He was a farmer and had worked as a steelworker and had worked at General Motors. He liked to hunt and fish, walking and picnics. Denver was good with his hands. He was a member of First Baptist Church.            

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hattie Hamm Eller; sister, Bertha Smith; and brothers, Miskel, Lloyd, Clarence, Paul and Bon Eller.

 

Survivors include his son, Denver Carl Eller and wife Ethel Marie of Mountain City; three granddaughters, Sharon Lester and Pamela Main, both of Virginia, and Carline Frye and husband Morgan of Taylorsville, NC; grandson, Denver Carl Eller, Jr. and wife Jessica of Hickory, NC; two step-grandsons, Willi