M. Burns Willis

The Reverend Marshall Burns Willis (94) passed away peacefully at his home on
Saturday, February 17th, 2024. He was born on September 18, 1929 to Frank and Reba
(Burns) Willis. Growing up in Ocilla, Georgia, Burns attended Ocilla High School where he
played center on the varsity basketball team that went to the state finals. Completing high
school at 17 he attended the Citadel for one year. His next step was to attend Wake Forest
College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and continued his education
earning a Masters of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. In 1954, he was
ordained into the United Methodist Church of the South Georgia Conference where he served
churches including the associate pastor at First UMC in Jesup, Senior Pastor of Epworth UMC
in Jesup. He then moved to Texas to participate in a pastoral counseling and hospital chaplaincy
program in Houston and pastored at First Methodist Church, Bryan, Texas. Returning to the
South Georgia UMC Conference he continued ministering at Thomasville First UMC associate
pastor, Senior Pastor of Striplin Terrace UMC in Columbus, Forest Hills UMC in Macon,
Sandersville UMC, Pine Forest UMC in Dublin, Fort Valley UMC and as the District
Superintendent of the Thomasville District. He and his wife enjoyed retirement in Thomasville for
35 years.
Although ministry was his calling and passion, he enjoyed playing golf, reading,
(particularly discussing what he had read), and traveling. Unbeknownst to many, he played a
mean harmonica and was an accomplished painter. In addition, his love for others was
exemplified far beyond the walls of the church. Burns' own deep desire for meaning for life
often led him to connect with others by asking how a particular experience was meaningful to
them.
During retirement Burns worked tirelessly at the Thomas County Food Bank, Habitat for
Humanity, and Helping Hands of Thomasville. He led many mission trips in the southeastern US
and beyond. His mission ministry in Jamaica continued to inspire medical missions trips for forty
years. Burns Wills was truly a pastor and minister who connected with compassion to all those
who knew him as well as a loving and devoted husband,father,and grandfather, who will be
missed dearly.
Burns is predeceased by his loving wife, Rose Bullard Willis to whom he was married for
71 years, and his sister Sydney Willis Blackmarr of Tifton. Surviving children include Lisa Willis
Salveter (Dan) of Thomasville, Jennifer Willis Payne (Weldon) of Dublin, Marsha Willis Phipps
(Rich) of Manor, Pennsylvania: seven grandchildren, Natalie Salveter, Chris Salveter, Caroline
Payne, Joseph Payne(Veronica), McKenna Phipps Bonato (Jared), Abby Phipps, Matthew
Phipps: caregiver, Clarice Jordan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Thomas County Food Bank.