George Franklin “Skook” Willis 71, born September 6, 1941, died April 11, 2013. He was the fourth of seven children born to Cliff and Ruth Willis in Wenatchee Washington.

The family moved to Snohomish and George graduated from Snohomish High School in 1960, a much decorated member of the Panther football team. He joined the Army following high school and was a proud member of the 101st airborne paratroopers.

He worked in the meat industry for many years, first at Wheeler’s and G&G Meats, located in Snohomish, before opening his own company in Arlington in 1974. With his brothers and nephew, Allen Stevens, they expanded the business to Oak Harbor in 1976 operating for 33 years. George continued to work after retirement from Willis Bros. and spent many, busy fall seasons at Kelso Meats in Snohomish. With his brother Ron, he worked the last two summers working in the oil fields of North Dakota with the Newsom Brothers.

George was a lifetime member of the Arlington American Legion.

He is survived by his wife Jackie at the family home in Arlington, sons Scott ( Alice), Arlington, Travis, Monroe, brothers Ron (Judy) Marysville, Jack (Kristy) Mount Vernon, sisters Jeannine Pichler (Bob), Arlington Betty Swezey (Phil) Brewster, Dee Pace, Snohomish. The mother of his children, Lynn Willis, of Arlington. Stepchildren Carrie (Jeff), Carlene (Anthony), Brandi (Jason), Theresa (Joe) grandchildren: Jordan, Cole, Cade, Jake, Savanna, and J.J. and many loving nieces and nephews. Close friends Neil Wheeler, Bub McClain, Ron Kaaland and many others that were special to him.

He follows his parents, sister, Carol Stevens, nephews Wayne Pichler, Bob Stevens, Tim Stevens, Zachry Swezey, and niece Jill Pichler.

His life will be celebrated with family and friends on May 4, 3:00 at Arlington American Legion.