Sgt.1st Class J.W. (Billy) Ollis

August 17, 1930 - February 19, 2020

Sgt. 1st class J.W. (Billy) Ollis, 89, passed away peaceably surrounded by family and friends on February 19, 2020 at Cannon Hospital in Linville, N.C. He was born August 17, 1930 to the late Harrison and Rose Brown Ollis. In addition, to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers; Devoe (Sarah Belle) Ollis, Ken (Lila) Ollis; Infant brothers Sam and Bynum Ollis; Sisters Anna Mae (Raymond) Turbyfill, Eunavie McGuire and Roberta (Tot) Smith; Grandson Steve Ollis Billy was born August 17, 1930 in Cranberry, N.C., he retired from US army as a First Sergeant on June 1, 1973 at Fort Bragg, NC after completing 26 years of service, he served overseas for 17 years. In Japan, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded Bronze Star Medal with oak leave cluster, Air Medal. He was awarded Vietnam campaign medal with 6 battle stars with cross of Gallantry and occupational medal for Japan and Germany, the Army commendation medal with oak leaf cluster. He was an active member of Cranberry Baptist Church and always had the testimony that he loved the Lord and his Church Family. He loved to garden, watch ballgames, always had a funny demeanor and wanting to put a smile on faces around him, talking about his life in the military…and especially about his church, where he served as past Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher. Sgt. Ollis was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Claudette Henson Ollis of Cranberry, NC., sons Jonny W. Ollis (Sandra) of Roan Mountain, TN.; Michael Ollis of Sierra Vista, AZ; Daughter Sandra King of Aurora, CO.; Stepson David (Danielle) Henson of Cranberry, NC. Grandsons Aaron (Sharon) King and Gary Lee King both of Arizona; Great-Grandchildren Alex King of Arizona and Paige King Klein ( Nick) of Hawaii; Sister Silvia Ollis Bare of Elk Park, N.C. ; Several nephews, and nieces and cousins. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Hospice Workers and the Hospital Staff at Cannon Hospital for their loving, special care that they gave during this time of need. Funeral Services with Military Honors be held Saturday, February 22, 2020 beginning at 12:00PM at Cranberry Baptist Church with Reverend David Burnop officiating. Family will received friends from 11:00 until the service hour. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cranberry Baptist Church; 5750 N US Hwy 19E, Newland, NC 28657 Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Ollis family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net The care of J.W. and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland. (828) 733-2121