Mr. Stanley Willis

Stanley Wayne Willis, 75, of Sumner, Georgia, passed away on June 10, 2025, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta. Born in Tifton, Georgia, on April 12, 1950, Stanley was the son of Nadine Hobby Willis and Vaughan (OV) Willis. He grew up in Worth County and graduated from Worth County High School in 1968, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball—a true three-sport athlete with a lifelong passion for competition and sports. Stan attended Valdosta State College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1973. While there, he helped charter the school’s initial class of the Kappa Alpha Order, serving as #2, the Pledge Trainer,—a role that reflected his natural leadership and deep commitment to tradition and mentorship. On September 9, 1973, Stanley married the love of his life, Karen Heisler, calling her “the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen.” Together, they built a vibrant life of family, love, friendship, and lots of laughter. Stanley began his sales career in 1973 with the National Motor Club, earning numerous regional and national awards—and the nickname "Stan the Man." In 1975, he joined his father at M&W Pontiac and, once he took over, became the youngest Pontiac dealership owner in the nation. He remained a respected and beloved figure in the car business in Sylvester for over five decades, continuing his career at the same dealership as it changed names throughout the years (Childre Chevrolet, Langdale Chevrolet, and Griffin Chevrolet). He served on the Worth County Board of Education from 1986 to 1992, including four years as Chairman. He was also an Elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church, a Certified Trainer for Toastmasters International, and a committed member of numerous civic boards and clubs throughout the years. Stanley had a magnetic personality and a gift for storytelling. He was a legendary joke-teller whose humor lit up every room. His love for sports never waned—he could be found most nights watching a game, always rooting for his favorite teams: the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Florida Gators, and the Atlanta Braves. Music was another of his great passions, and his taste spanned generations and genres—from Led Zeppelin to Barbra Streisand, AC/DC to George Jones, Guns N' Roses to Frank Sinatra. He especially loved sitting on his back porch listening to the music he loved, with his wife and best friend, Karen. To his nieces and nephews, he was affectionately known as Magic Man Stan. To his grandchildren, he was Standaddy, a title he wore with pride and joy. His humor, heart, and unforgettable quirks made him a true character—one who made a lasting impression on all who knew him. Stanley is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Heisler Willis; his children, Casey Willis (Courtney), Courtney Harper (Jason), and Tyler Knox (Andy); and his seven grandchildren: Madeline Tenneson, Sophie Willis, Drew Knox, Willis Knox, Caroline Willis, Lucie Knox, and Ben Willis. He is also survived by his siblings David Willis (Lynn), Beverly Dunn(Tony), and Keith Willis (Lynn), along with a large extended family and an even larger circle of friends and admirers. Stanley’s life was a celebration—of love, laughter, and legacy. His joy was helping others laugh and have a fun time. As he often concluded his speeches: “May all your days be circus days.” There will be a private graveside service on June 15th. The family will receive visitors at a Celebration of Life from 2:00 – 5:00 on June 15th at Southern Woods Plantation in Worth County, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice that focuses on helping underprivileged kids.

Mr. Stanley Willis

April 12, 1950 - June 10, 2025