Gene Willett

Gene Willett, 83, of Hot Springs Village, AR went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 2, 2010 while enjoying a round of golf with friends. Gene was born on September 19, 1926 in Dallas, Texas to Gene Willett Sr., and Corinne Heatly Willett. Gene grew up in the old Gaston Ave Baptist Church, baptized by Dr. W. Marshall Craig. Gene graduated from North Dallas High School in 1943 and attended the University of Texas where he played baseball. After returning from the Armed Forces, he finished his degree in business at Southern Methodist University. Gene married the love of his life, Marian Hadaway Willett in 1947. Their union was a beautiful example of love for 63 years to their daughters, Becky, Judy, and Lindy. They were members of Park Cities Baptist Church for many years. In addition to golf, Gene loved hunting and fishing with his father and daughters. Gene was the general manager of Radio City Distributing Company, which sold some of the first Zenith color television sets. He also owned and managed Willett Furniture in Garland, and later established his own commercial real estate company. Gene served on the Board of Directors at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas. He also served as President of the Board at Oakridge Country Club where he enjoyed many games of golf with his "nooner" buddies. Gene and Marian retired to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas several years ago where he continued to golf every day that the sun shone, and was often known for "shooting his age" of 83. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Marian, daughters, Becky and Bruce Harvey of Hot Springs Village, AR, Judy and Bob Avery of Dallas, Texas, and Lindy and Ruben Perez of Richardson, Texas and 5 grandchildren, Laura and Greg Hilbig of Tyler, Texas, Russell and Kellie Harvey of Overland Park, Kansas, Angela and Blake Davis of Dallas, Texas, Jessica and Josh Brown of College Station, and Aaron Perez of Richardson, Texas: and 7 great grandchildren, Meredith, Amanda, Clair, and Melissa Hilbig, Caleb Harvey, and Layla and Brooks Davis. He is also survived by his sister Donna and Don Wills of Rowlett, Texas, and many nieces and nephews. Goodbye Gene-O, Papa, Uncle Bubba, and Dad, you will always be in our hearts. We love you. A memorial service for Gene will be at 10:00 am at Balboa Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village, AR on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. Memorials may be made to the Balboa Baptist Church Music Ministry at 415 Ponce de Leon Drive, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909 Arrangements are under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home in Hot Springs Village, AR 501-922-6100.

Gene Willett

September 19, 1926 - April 2, 2010