Willis “Dub” Carlisle Parker, Jr, 91, a beloved figure of Decatur, Illinois, sadly left our world on June 20, 2024, after a life richly lived in service and kindness.

Willis was a first-class scout in his youth, and an avid volunteer for Boy Scouts of America for decades. He served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Camp Adderbury, Indiana; Ft. Carson, Colorado; and was on a special assignment at Camp Hale, Colorado. He participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2017.

Throughout his career, Willis was an independent contractor who built multiple custom homes in the Decatur and surrounding areas. He was a member of the Metro Decatur Home Builder’s Association where he served as President in 1973. Willis retired from Archer Daniels Midland, where he worked as Construction and Maintenance Manager for the Corporate Offices in Decatur, Illinois.

Willis had a devoted, strong faith. He was very active in the church throughout his life, and volunteered his labor and vast construction expertise at Midwest Mission in Chatham, Illinois.

Willis enjoyed traveling and thrived on learning. He had a passion for his family, a great sense of humor, and was a very caring individual.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr Benjamin Esparaz, retired, and the team at Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois for their exceptional support throughout many years. The family would also like to thank the staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital for their professional and attentive care.

Willis was a devoted and much-loved husband, dad, and grandpa and a true family man. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary, and their three children, Tom (Kristy), Bonnie (Tracy Virden), and Lori Parker; eight grandchildren, and (13) great-grandchildren.

A public visitation will be held on Saturday, June 29th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at First Congregational Church, 3465 N MacArthur Rd, Decatur, IL 62526.

For memorial contributions, the family has designated Cancer Care Center of Decatur (210 W. McKinley Ave, Suite 1, Decatur, IL 62526), or Midwest Mission Distribution Center (1022 New City Road, Chatham, IL 62629).

Central Cremation Center in Forsyth, Illinois has been entrusted with arrangements.