Ottis Kirby Willbanks' Obituary
Ottis Kirby Willbanks, recently of Dallas, and formerly of Longview, Texas, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018. He was born on October 25, 1926, in Louann, Arkansas, to the late B. L. (Luke) Willbanks and Velma Sherrill Willbanks. Mr. Willbanks graduated from Quitman High School, and after exploring various career endeavors for a period of time, he worked for Mustang Dealerships for Caterpillar for more than 30 years, starting as a Mechanic in El Campo, Texas, and later transferring to Lufkin, Texas, where he retired as a Shop Manager. He was a life member of Fraternal Order of Masons. Fishing was his absolute favorite pastime, for which he loved to share stories of his many “whopper” experiences. Ottis brought a smile to those he knew and even those he had just met. He and Peggy moved to Longview in the 1990’s, where he was able to enjoy the benefits of having more time to spend with his brothers and sisters in the area. After moving into the senior living community, he cared for his many new friends like they were his family, and he was always the life of the party, whether it was bean bag baseball, a Valentine’s Day Dance, or playing dominoes and bingo. Mr. Willbanks is survived by his daughter, Linda Zamazal, of El Campo, Texas, his brother, Floyd Willbanks of San Antonio, Texas, his sister, Dorothy Elsey of Grapevine, Texas, one granddaughter, three grandsons, great-grandchildren, as well as other loving family members and friends, and his best furry friend, Patches (aka his “chic” magnet). He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Peggy, two sons, Steven Bruce Willbanks and James Allen Willbanks, his sister Daisy Sledge, and three brothers, Darrell, Dannon, and Wiley. A Celebration of life for Ottis will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, June 2, at Brookdale (Treemont) Senior Living, 5550 Harvest Hill, Dallas TX 75230.
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