Willys Lee Smelser of Inverness, FL passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family on July 5, 2021 at the age of 94. He was born to the late Charles Ernest and Bertha Jane (Crothers) Smelser on September 25, 1926 in Cumberland, MD. Willys proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy and was a Veteran of World War II. Following his military service, he went on to become the Corporate Safety Security Director for the Kelly Springfield Tire Company. After retirement, he and his wife became Florida “Snowbirds” for a number of years and made Florida their permanent home in 2015. One of Willys favorite activities was camping and traveling in his RV. Following retirement he spent 5 months on the road traveling around the country. He made a number of friends over the years during his travels. Willys other favorite past time activity was square dancing. He and his wife were members of a square dancing group that traveled together for a number of years. Willys was a Christian by faith and most recently attended the First Presbyterian Church of Inverness.
Those left to mourn Willys’ passing include his loving wife of 73 years, Leona (Collins) Smelser; daughter, Patti Johnson and her husband Stephen of Inverness; grandchildren: Jennifer Lloyd, Melanie Meunier and her husband Kyle, Shane Ebhardt, Austin Johnson and 9 great grandchildren. Willys was preceded in death by sons: Scott Steven Smelser in 1963, William Charles Smelser in 1984; and brother, Royce Arthur Smelser in 2000.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 3:00 PM from the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness. Following the service, friends that were unable to attend the service are welcome to join the family in visitation from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Following cremation, Willys will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Cumberland, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family would request memorial donations be made in Willys’ memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children Charity. Arrangements are under the care of the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.
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