Paul "Jackie" Willett

Paul “Jackie” Jackson Willett, 76, passed away on November 20, 2023, in the Intensive Care Unit at Navicent Atrium Health in Macon, Georgia, due to complications from a motor vehicle accident on November 9. He was ushered by Angels into Heaven to be with Jesus, reunited with his family, and open the door to his new residence and heavenly home. Jackie was born in Gunnison, Mississippi, to the late Frank Walter Willett and the late Effie D (Usery) Willett on March 10, 1947. He is survived by his high-school sweetheart and soulmate Shirley Ann (Atchley) Willett from Blytheville, Arkansas. He was married to his bride on May 30, 1964, serving as a protector and steward for over 59 years. Jackie was survived by his son, Jackie Mark Willett, and daughter, Robin Ann (Willett) Ashmore; nine grandchildren, Stephanie (Willett) Kent, Stephen Willett Sr., Paul Joshua Melton, Ethan Ashmore, Matthew Willett, Christian Ashmore, Ashley Willett, Mark Gordon Willett, and Noah Ashmore; and nine great-grandchildren, Joshua Shane Schumacher, Brianna Kent, Logan Kent, Stephen Willett Jr., Letty Bratton, Josie Parson, Laelah Parson, Maci Willett, and Leonidas Willett. He was genuinely loved, admired, and respected by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Like his father and mother, he loved his family with all his heart.

Jackie is survived by his siblings: Georgia McCammon, Roberta Drumright and husband Robert, Walter Frank Willett, Jane Fenimore, Maxine Moore, Roger Willett and wife Pamela, Jeanette Tolson and husband William "Dub", and their extended and beloved family members.

He worked all his life in construction and carpentry work; never stopped working in retirement. In his life, he built many homes and loved working on automobiles. He loved to piddle, junk, and look for the best deal at Smiley’s Flea Market and Goodwill all over the central part of Georgia. He loved to look on “Greg’s list” (Craigslist) and Facebook Marketplace for deals. Jackie knew everything about everything. He usually acquired ten of the same item and only one worked. If you asked him a question, he knew the answer. He was the one everyone called if they needed work or had a question. He loved to work in retirement. His house was as busy as an AT&T switchboard operator and he received more packages than an Amazon distribution center. Visitation was at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett, Missouri. His “Celebration of Life” graveside service was at Dunklin Memorial Gardens, also in Kennett. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the ICU physicians and nurses at Navicent Atrium Health in Macon, Georgia for providing excellent healthcare, Rooks Funeral Home in Byron, Georgia for easing the burden of stress, and McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett, Missouri for their emotional support during this difficult time. They would also like to thank all family and friends for their ongoing support and love, as well as their fervent prayers with faith. Your love will never be forgotten. The family would like to thank World of Faith Ministries for their prayer and support during this time of need. Of special mention is Brother Thomas Wilson, a man of faith and conviction. He sincerely cared for “Paul” as a brother and was very thankful and grateful for their friendship.