Dr. Almer Joe Willis

Dr. Almer Joe Willis, husband of Mariella Swanson Willis, formerly of Darlington, passed away Tuesday, August 18, at the age of 76. He was born on Bull Creek, Virginia, eldest son of the late Thelma and Ray Willis, but spent his adult life in South Carolina. Dr. Willis, a chiropractor, was a visionary and facilitator both within his profession and his relationships with people, often bringing about cooperation and kindness where it had not existed. He was the founder and president of Willis Chiro-Med, a company of nearly 40 clinics and imaging facilities which stretched over 4 states. He helped pioneer the settings in which chiropractors, medical doctors and other health care professions worked together for the general good. Dr. Willis served in many positions and received innumerable awards during his career. He chaired the Darlington County Commission and was prominent for many years in local government. Professionally he was president of the state association and a member of the licensing board. He was an officer of the national association as well as his college alumni board. Known for his generosity, he founded a number of scholarships to assist the many chiropractic students he motivated to enter the profession. Internationally he received the coveted Lee Homewood Heritage Award from the Association for Chiropractic History for his "distinguished career contribution of lasting significance toward the advancement of chiropractic in the scientific and academic communities and the public". Possibly the key to his success was voiced by a friend of over 50 years who said, "I never heard Joe talk bad about anyone." In addition to wife Mari, he is survived by three sons: Mark (wife Robin), Dr. Scott (wife Page) and Craig (wife Suellyn) and their families of 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Jane Sparrow and 2 brothers, Dr. Jerry Ray (wife Judy) and Dr. John (wife Jane), all of Southwest Virginia. Funeral services will be held at 2:00, Friday, August 21, 2015 at Belin United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, Conway. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the scholarships in Dr. Willis' name at the University of South Carolina and Coker College or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com and www.belkfuneralhome.com The Burroughs Funeral Home of Murrells Inlet and Belk Funeral Home of Darlington is assisting the Willis Family. $(document).ready(function(){ });

Dr. Almer Joe Willis

January 20, 1939 - August 18, 2015