Thomas Alexander Willis Jr

Thomas Alexander Willis, Jr, 79, died October 8, 2021 at home with his family. He was a former resident of North Augusta, SC and Augusta, GA for 50 years. He was a beloved husband, father and Grandfather (PopPop). He will be remembered for his hilarious dry wit, sense of humor and his devotion to his family and friends.
He was a 1960 graduate of Sylvan Hills High School in Atlanta, GA; and a 1964 Civil Engineering graduate of Georgia Tech Institute of Technology. After being commissioned as a Lt. JG in the U.S. Navy he served on the USS Keppler. He was a 1969 recipient of a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering from Georgia Tech and was employed by the Savannah River Site in Aiken, SC, From January, 1970 until his retirement in July, 2000. He was instrumental in several innovative programs during his tenure. He was a member of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, Sertoma International and Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta, SC.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. Willis and Frances P. Willis of Atlanta, GA. Also his sister, Ellen Rebecca Pence. He is survived by his wife, Claire Chreitzberg Willis, his son, Thomas Alexander Willis, III, Daughter-in-law, Melissa Ann Willis, and grandchildren Nyla Adrie, twins, Clayton Alexander and Natalie Jane and Briana Noelle. A Brother-in-Law, Benjamin Kilgore Chreitzberg, Sister-in-law, Betty; niece Lisa Chreitzberg Bryant; a Brother-in-law, Kirk Pence, wife Diane and niece, Jessica Pence Pruitt. 
The family will have a private service Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Larson Funeral Home in Bridgeport. He will be interred at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.
A special thanks to the nurses and Doctors with Nuclear Care Partners and Vitas Hospice who cared for him during his illness. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Thomas Alexander Willis, Jr. to the Dementia Society of America by mail to PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online at https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate