Obituary of Gerald T. Willis

Gerald T. Willis was born in Fallen NE in 1939 to parents Bob and Hazel Willis.
Jerry attended college at Chico State and graduated from Sacramento State College. Jerry started his teaching career in Yolo, CA. Jerry also taught in Esparto, CA and Woodland, CA before moving to his beloved town of Gonzales, CA. Jerry taught at Fairview Middle School. He loved teaching the students and being involved with their parents. Jerry taught school for 54 years prior to his retirement.
It was in Gonzales that Jerry met and married Nona Perez; she was the love of his life and was able to spend 41 years happily married. 
Jerry became involved in many school and community programs: The Gonzales Fire Department, he was a Girl Scout leader; He taught in the “Guitars Not Guns program”, he played in his own band.  He established and directed the South County Basketball Tournament; was the athletic and activities director at Fairview Middle School. Jerry also taught guitar and piano at Fairview. He edited and published the Fairview year book, he directed and ran the Fairview Talent Show, coached the eighth grade Basketball team, filmed the varsity Gonzales High football games under Larry Walsh. Jerry was proud of designing and helping to build Fairview Middle School Track. Jerry loved helping his community.
Jerry touched the lives of so many young people. Jerry couldn’t wait to get to school and open his classroom and welcome everyone in, Jerry’s classroom was a safe place for his kids to gather. He would play the piano, strum his guitar and everyone would sing allowing everyone including himself a special way to start the day.
Jerry is survived by his wife Nona, his brother Jack Willis and his family, his in laws, Joe and Erma Perez, Ron and Alice Schaefer, and Ray and Bea Perez. Jerry was blessed numerous nieces and nephews far too many to list each and every one, they were loved dearly by their Uncle Jerry. 
Jerry and Nona loved to travel especially with his adopted daughter’s Heather and Cari. Where ever they went Jerry always made the trip special for his girls.
In his spare time Jerry loved Joe Montana and his 49ers, Buck Owens at the Chrystal Palace in Bakersfield, family gatherings with the Perez family, playing the piano for his friends at The Little Swiss in Gonzales, and gathering at the American Legion Hall and BBQ at the Swiss Rifle Grounds.
On Jerry’s final trip when the gate is open to welcome him home we all know he’ll hear “What a guy, what a guy”!!
At this time due to COVID there are no services planned, but when possible a celebration of his life will be announced.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Gonzales Fire Department, PO Box 647, Gonzales CA 93926. or your favorite charity.