AL HR144

Records the death of Dr. Edward Donald Willis on March 6, 2021, at age 80, with deep sadness and tribute to his life.

Dr. Willis was born August 17, 1940, in Montgomery, Alabama, where he resided for more than 50 years, and was the sixth of seven children.

Graduated from Hudson High School at age 16, earned an undergraduate degree from Tuskegee Institute in 1961, and a Doctorate from Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine in 1966.

Served as a Captain in the U.S. Army with a tour of duty in Vietnam with the Veterinary Corps, assignments to Army Reserve and U.S. Air Force Reserve, and active duty at the Pentagon during Operation Desert Storm; retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2000.

Opened the Willis Animal Clinic in 1975 and was recognized as the first African-American Licensed Veterinarian to practice and own a veterinary hospital in Montgomery, Alabama.

Survived by his wife of 54 years Helen Ann Roberts Willis, three children, three grandchildren, one sister, two brothers, and numerous other relatives and friends.