HORTENSE — Shannon Willis, 53 of Hortense, met his Lord and Savior Sunday, August 23, 2026 after a sudden illness.
Willis was a devoted fat her, papa, life partner, friend to many and a man of extraordinary talents who used them to express his love and concern to others.
Willis was an exceptional craftsman who was self-taught in painting, woodburning and drawing which he expressed his love for those he created things for. He was also a gifted musician, selftaught, again, through all genres. The 80s rock had to be his favorite.
Willis never met a stranger anywhere he went. He loved to make others laugh with his jokes and telling stories. His kindness was shown because of his love for Jesus
Willis
Christ. Willis would share his testimony and things he had learned from his studying of the Bible.
Family and friends were people he was very loyal to and would go the “extra mile” for them. Willis would be seen showing the “peace sign” and would always say, “I’ll see you later!”.
His parents, Donnie Willis and Karen Bell, preceded him in death along with his paternal grandparents, Nanny Jettie and William “Barney” Willis; maternal grandparents, Roy Nail and Bobbie Bush; and uncle Dale Willis.
Survivors are his daughter, Breena “Doodle” (Michael) Cothren of Hortense; granddaughters, Aubree “Spider Monkey” and Kymbree Cothren; his companion of 18 years, Krissy Bechtold of Hortense; bonus family members, Jimmy Drury, Jay (Renee) Drury, Cole (Lindsey) Lilybug; several aunts, including a special aunt, Sherrie “Sissy” Hendrix; uncles and cousins.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Rinehart Chapel with Rev. Harold Hand officiating.
Interment followed in the Little Creek Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jay Drury, Cole Lee, George Keithley, Clint Hendrix, Tyler Bechtold and Michael Cothren.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.
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