Mr. Paul Allen “P.A.” Willis, age 83, of Georgetown, SC, formerly of Lexington, KY, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at his home, with his loving family by his side. Mr. Willis was born October 1, 1941, in Floyd County, Indiana, the son of Dorothy and Clarence Willis.
Paul began his education as a 1959 graduate of Meade County High School. He then attended St. Joseph College in Indiana before transferring to the University of Kentucky. While at UK he married the love of his life, Barbara Marcum, whom he had met in middle school in Meade County and had spent some time together at Meade County High School. That same year, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law from UK. He and his wife then moved to Washington, DC where Paul obtained his master’s degree in library science from the University of Maryland in 1966. Also, that year, Paul and Barbara welcomed their son, Mark to their family. They returned to Lexington in August of 1966 and Paul obtained his law degree from UK in 1969. Paul had began working for UK in many capacities, such as a professor of law, law librarian and director of university libraries, from 1973 until June 30, 2002, serving as acting dean, UK College of Library and Information Science, 1975-76 and 1988. Paul then moved to South Carolina and began working as the Dean of Libraries at the University of South Carolina on July 1, 2002, until his retirement in 2007.Paul had many other professional accomplishments such as Chairman, press committee and editorial board, The University Press of Kentucky, from 1993-2002, but most importantly to him, shared his knowledge as a consultant to numerous county, university and corporate libraries. He was also an author of numerous professional articles and served as a longtime board member of the Henry Clay Estate. Paul was extremely active at both the University of Kentucky and the University of South Carolina. He attended numerous academic and sporting events and served on several committees supporting the universities.
Upon his retirement, Paul and Barbara moved to the coast of South Carolina, where he remained in his beach house throughout. He enjoyed traveling, reading, spending time with his family and working in his beautifully, immaculately kept yard.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Winnie (Claude), Charlie (Martha), and Danny Joe (Linda). He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara; his son Mark, and his wife Veronica; and his daughter Sally, and her husband Kyle; five grandchildren, Evelyn, Molly, Owen, Robbie, and Maggie; two brothers, Richard (Janice), and Larry (Marty); as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins that he adored.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the chapel of the Hager Funeral Home, with Rev. Dan Paddack officiating. Burial will follow in Cap Anderson Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Friday.
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