Retired Brigadier General Clinton "Clint Vance Willis, Jr.

Retired Brigadier General Clinton V. (Clint) Willis, Jr.,  passed away on February 24, 2025, at Scotia Village in Laurinburg, N.C.

Born in Morehead City, N.C., on October 6, 1931, he was the son of the late Clinton Willis Sr. and Josie Willis. 

Willis grew up in Laurinburg, N.C., and married Carlene McCaskill in 1949. He joined the U.S. Army after high school and had a long and distinguished military career culminating in him reaching the rank of Brigadier General and serving as the Deputy Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard. He served for more than 38 years as an enlisted soldier and officer and earned numerous awards and commendations including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the North Carolina Distinguished Service Medal.

Willis received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of the State of New York and was also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College.

Willis’ civilian career included owning an insurance agency from which he retired in 1999. He served eight years as a Scotland County Commissioner, four years as Chairman of the Scotland County Social Services Board, four years as the State President of County Boards of Social Services and four years as Chairman of the Scotland Health Board. Willis was also a past President of the North Carolina Senior Citizens Association and past President of the Residents Association of Scotia Village

In addition, Willis was a past President of the Laurinburg Scotland County Chamber of Commerce, a member and Elder of Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, past Master of the Laurinburg Masonic Lodge, and past President of the Scottish Shrine Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Hugh Willis.

Willis is survived by his wife of more than 75 years, Carlene Willis, a brother, Bobby Willis, two grandchildren, nephews and nieces and their spouses as well as grandnephews, one grandniece, and several great-nephews and great-nieces.  

In lieu of flowers, Gen. Willis’ family asks that donations be made to any charity that would benefit from your support.

Following a private family graveside service a Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Scotia Village. Visitation with the family will follow the memorial service at Scotia Village. 

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