Jerry Clay Willis

Jerry Clay Willis, 75, Peru, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, surrounded by his family.

Born November 1, 1944, in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of Kelly and Ivory Sparks Willis.  On August 11, 1962, in Peru, Indiana, at the Third Street Church of God, he was married to his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Shirley Ann Taylor, and she survives.

He attended Peru High School and retired from Square D Corporation, Peru.  He was a member of the First Church of Christ in Peru and the Rebel Rousers Car Club.  He loved working on hotrods and owned several over the years: 1930 Model A Coupe, 1950 Mercury, and 1946 Ford Coupe, among several others.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, old time Rock and Roll, and going to classic car shows.  He was known for his storytelling and spending time with his family, often working with them in the garage, patiently teaching them many skills over the years in all areas of life.  A man of great faith, he loved spending time with fellow church members and offering a word of prayer for any person in need.  

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Willis, Peru; children (to whom he was a great dad), DeWayne Willis, Peru; Jerry (Aine) Willis, Wabash, Kelly (Ray) Ege, Peru; and Jennifer (Michael) Poston, Peru;  grandchildren, Andrew (Rachel) Amersbach, Peru; Danielle Willis, Pennsylvania; DeWayne Willis, Jr., Peru; Victoria Amersbach, Texas; Anastasia (Richie) Hawkins, Wabash; Jordan (Evan) Laudenschlager, Peru; Donovan (Ashlei) Willis, Marion; Kyndale (Chandler) Alwine, Peru; Austin Willis, Wabash; Braxton Willis, Wabash; and Brian (Tash) Ege, Peru; great-grandchildren, Olivia Willis, Chamberlain Hawkins, Abby Lovaglio, Lily Walker, Cambree Hawkins, Sadie Lovaglio, and Tatum Laudenschalger; two sisters, Shirley Annette (Joe) Starkey, Peru; and Cathy Brubaker (Eric Vielee), Peru; four aunts, Beulah Williams, Vivian Townsend, Anita Clemons, and Phyllis Scott, all of Peru; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Jeanette Willis, and Annalee Willis; one grandchild, Aryne Marie Willis; and son-in-law, Kregg Clark.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020, at First Church of Christ, 2584 Business 31 South, Peru, with Evangelist Shane Capps officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday, at the church.  

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  The online guestbook can be signed at www.mcclainfh.com.  

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