Carl W. Willis, Tulsa businessman and entrepreneur, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 9, 2015 in Tulsa, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Carl was born August 25, 1935 in Fredrick, Oklahoma to Paul and Thelma Ater Willis. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1953 and received a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1959.
Carl worked in the oil and manufacturing industries before joining Allied Oklahoma Corporation, a division of Allied Graphic Arts in New York, NY in 1965 as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. The company was later purchased and merged with a Japanese corporation, where Carl served as Chief Executive Officer of 17 companies with offices in Tokyo, Hawaii and around the world. After 31 years in the corporate world, Carl purchased and operated G.T.C. Car Washes in Tulsa, and later Advanced Roofing Technologies. Throughout his career, Carl traveled extensively around the world for various business ventures.
Carl was a long time member of Asbury United Methodist Church and Seekers Sunday School, where he served as a Servant of the Lord in many capacities. His gift of compassion, unconditional love and desire to help others touched many lives. His fellowship with a special group as a member of Tulsa Men's Club brought him hours of fun and great friendships. He had a lifelong passion for aviation and enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time with friends and family at their Grand Lake home.
Predeceased by his parents, Carl is survived by his wife of 59 years, Novella; one son, Craig Willis and Wendy of Scottsdale, Arizona; one daughter, Diane Rubin and Thom of Edmond, Oklahoma and 5 wonderful grandchildren who adored their grandfather: Grace Willis of Chicago, Illinois; Kevin Willis of Woodland, Washington; Chandler and Breann Rubin of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Grant Rubin and fiancée Alicia Couch of Edmond, Oklahoma; and Brittany Rubin of Edmond, OK. He is also survived by his brother, Bill Willis of Vero Beach, FL, several sisters and brothers-in-law and many nephews and nieces. He will be missed greatly and remembered lovingly as the rock of the family.
Memorial services will be held Thursday at 2:00 pm at Asbury United Methodist Church, Mason Chapel. Interment will be at Floral Haven Cemetery.