E. Tippy Willis, Jr., 80
Dateline: Norton, MA
E. Tippy Willis, Jr., 80, of Norton formerly of Easton passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday September 16, 2009 at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro after running his beagles. He was the beloved husband of Betty A. (Means) Willis.
Born in Brockton, MA on November 27, 1928 he was a son of the late E. Cliff, Sr. and Mildred J. (Griffin) Willis.
Tippy grew up and was educated in Easton, and was a 1949 graduate of Oliver Ames High School. Mr. Willis was a shipping supervisor having worked for 23 years at the former Fairfield Optical Co. in Mansfield before retiring in 1983.
In his early days he was a well known judge in Hare and Brace Trials. Tippy was a former member of the Bridgewater Beagle Club, the Southeastern MA Fish and Game Club and the Easton Rod and Gun Club. He was a life member of the Tri County Beagle Club of Mansfield and was recently inducted into the New England Hunting and Beagle Association Hall of Fame. He and his son Tippy, III finished 9 Field Championships together.
A resident of Norton for over 50 years, Tippy loved tending to his veggie gardens, was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and enjoyed the many happy times spent with his adoring family.
In addition to his beloved wife Betty he is survived by his devoted sons E. Tippy Willis, III and his wife Paula of Norton and Kevin L. Willis and his wife Catherine of Easton. He was the brother of the late Winifred L. Plausse and is also survived by his loved granddaughters Melissa, Stacy, Jennifer and Michelle, his 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Monday September 21st at 10:00 A.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton. Burial will follow in the Seeley Cemetery, Easton.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday September 20th from 4-7 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home.
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com