Fairfield man honored with his own day

William L. WIllis (left) was presented a key to the city by Fairfield Mayor Ron D'Epifanio for his contributions to his country while serving in the military during World War II and to his community. Staff photo by Michael D. Pitman

Michael D. Pitman William L. WIllis (left) was presented a key to the city by Fairfield Mayor Ron D'Epifanio for his contributions to his country while serving in the military during World War II and to his community. Staff photo by Michael D. Pitman

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 7:28 AM Thursday, July 9, 2009

Not many people have been given a key to the city by Fairfield Mayor Ron D’Epifanio. William L. Willis can say he was one of the few recipients when the World War II vet got a key after the mayor proclaimed June 30 his day in the city. It was also his birthday.

Willis was a man of few words after being honored.

“It means a whole lot to me,” Willis said after the honors bestowed upon him at Key Bank on Ohio 4 in Fairfield. “I really appreciate it. I really do.”

Linda Anzalone is a teller at Key Bank, and Willis is her customer. She set the day in motion. She asked the mayor to honor her customer on his 92 birthday.

Willis brought photos and mementos from his life, sharing them at the small noon-hour celebration.

Willis was born in Irvine, Ky in 1917. He married his wife Leona in 1937. She died 16 years ago. He has five children (William, James, Clara Jean, Marlean and Judith), seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He lives with his son James in Fairfield. Willis had lived in Hamilton for 86 years.

Even though he was nearly blind in his right eye, Willis was drafted in the Army in May 1945. He was never called into battle.

At age 12, Willis began working for his uncle, and eventually with the Civilian Conservation Corps at 16. In 1954, he began his long career working for the Hamilton Gas Department.

“His early start in the workforce clearly gave him a solid foundation on which to build his strong work ethic and pride in his work,” D’Epifanio said as he read the proclamation. “Although he had limited education and vision impairment, he did not allow these obstacles to hinder his accomplishments.”

In 1996, Willis was honored by the Butler County Board of Elections for voting for at least 50 years.

“His strong sense of duty and responsibility to his family, his work and his country are evident in every aspect of his life,” D’Epifanio said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.

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