Alfred LaFunzo Willis, Sr.

Alfred LaFunzo Willis Sr. was born on November 2, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Mary Elizabeth Willis and LaFollette Sargent. Alfred departed this life on September 20, 2025. 

From an early age, Alfred embraced his faith, accepting Christ and was active in Sunday School and singing in the youth choir at New Mission Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend George Q. Brown. As time went by, Al became a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold all things become new. 

Alfred grew up in Madisonville, attending Cincinnati public schools graduating from Withrow High School in 1970. His uncles taught him the importance and responsibilities of employment. During his junior and high school years, he worked at Tedqy Bear Restaurant, Madison Bakery and worked in his uncle Hersche's pool hall shining shoes. 

Al married his childhood sweetheart, Teresa Pearson, and together they had three children: Alfred L. Willis Jr., Denita Springs, and Aaron L. Willis (deceased). He was a devoted father and husband. He exposed our children to a wide range of experiences including family members and children in our neighborhood. 

Alfred dedicated 38 years of his life working at Keeblers until his health necessitated retirement. Beyond his career, he loved playing chess and became an instructor for boys and girls entering state tournaments. Al bowled in several leagues achieving multiple perfect scores and was a member of the Bid Whist Association. He was an entrepreneur at heart, creating a small barber business at our home, snow removal service, developing a cleaning service for Air B&Bs, and buying and selling cars. He instilled values of hard work, integrity and perseverance in our children, contributing to their own success ("be your own boss"). Al shared information with others and in some cases helped get them started with their business. 

Alfred is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa Willis; his son, Alfred L. Willis Jr. (Ebony); his daughter, Denita Springs (Ravea); his sisters, Barbara Harper (John Harper (deceased); Joyce Howard (Rodney); his brother, Dwayne Willis; his 
grandchildren, Malik Kimble, Maura Kimble, James Edwards (Elise); his mother-in law Ethel Carter (Riley Carter. deceased); sisters-in law, Benita Shaw (Barry); Dorothy McGee (Ralph); Mallie Pearson; Bridget Carter; brothers in-law, Riley Carter (Shelby); Randy Carter (Cassandra) and a host of family and friends who will cherish his memory.

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