Leader of the Week: DR. GEORGE OLIVER WILLIS
Dr. George Oliver Willis has devoted close to 50 of his 80-plus years to the cause of education. Born May, 1929 in Quitman, Texas, he received his early education in that city, graduating from Quitman Colored High School in 1946. He graduated from Jarvis Christian College in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in French, followed by a, language certification in French, a Master’s in Education Administration and a Ph. D. in education.
Dr. Willis began his career in education teaching French at Dallas’ James Madison High School. After five years. He was promoted to principal at William Brown Miller Elementary School, and went on to serve as principal at W.W. Bushman and Clinton P. Russell elementary schools for a total of 26 years of service as principal in Dallas ISD culminating in his being named Principal of the Year.
Following retirement from Dallas ISD, Dr. Willis continued to make a significant difference in the lives of young people as an educator at Collin Count Community College, Bishop College, and Southwest Christian College. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, he was named Professor of the Year at Southwest Christian College, inducted into Jarvis Christian College Pioneer Hall of Fame, and named a Living Legend in Education in Dallas.
A devoted Boy Scout Troop master for 40 years, Dr. Willis received the organization’s highest award, the Silver Beaver.
Dr. Willis is married to Ada Marie Evans Willis for over 67 years. They continue to be active Vital forces in their communities. At Quitman Texas they own and operate the world County barber shop. Their barber is a licensed barber from Tyler Barber College, Tyler, Texas.
Very soon they will own and operate a beauty shop, in Quitman, Texas. These entities are designed primarily to enhance the competence of afro American and Hispanic populations.
At saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Dallas, Texas, Dr. AND MRS. Willis have been consistent regular attendants for over 62 years.
Dr. Willis has served as a trustee at St Paul A.M.E. Church for over 55 years. In the year of 2003, Dr Willis was instrumental purchasing transportation (a van) for the church population. Mrs. Willis is active with the women’s missionary society.
