Rev David Willetts

Rev. David G. Willetts, 72, a man of faith, joined his son Matt in Heaven on October 9, 2006. An ordained Bishop in the Church of God, he evangelized with his family for 7 years, pastored churches in North Carolina and Virginia, and pastored the Fillmore Avenue Church of God in Alexandria, VA for 23 years. After retirement, he lived in Cleveland and was a member of the Grace Community Church. He was born in Wilmington, NC on August 9, 1934. As a young man, he traveled with the Serenaders Gospel Quartet and always loved listening to quartet music. He also loved surf fishing at Wrightsville Beach, NC. He was best known for his faith preaching and his sense of humor. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. In addition to his son Matt, he was preceded in death by his father, Vonnie D. Willetts; and his sister, Rosemary.

Survivors include his wife, Louise W. Willetts of Cleveland; mother, Mrs. V. D. Willetts; four daughters, Renee and husband Rev. Daniel McEachin, Denise and husband Rev. Kevin Mendel, Amy and husband Rev. David Nitz, and Melanie Willetts; six grandchildren, Michael Nitz and wife Leigh Ann, James Nitz, Phillip Nitz, April Armstrong and husband Matthew, Mark Mendel and Allison Mendel; and one great grandson, Toby Nitz.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. at Grace Community Church of God with Pastor Kevin Mendel, Rev. Daniel McEachin, and Rev. David Nitz officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery with Michael Nitz, Phillip Nitz, Mark Mendel and Matthew Armstrong serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grace Community Church of God, 4745 Mouse Creek Road, NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 1-3 p.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Grissom Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements. For additional information, phone 476-8575 or to send an online condolence to the family, visit www.grissomfh.net.