Willis V. Bish, 81, of State College, died on Monday, October 27, 2008 at Centre Crest Nursing Center in Bellefonte.
He was born in St. Charles, PA on May 21, 1927 to the late Forrest S. and Grace (Pence) Bish.
On June 21, 1952 in Winchester, Virginia, he was married to Betty Larue Gummo, who preceded him in death on September 5, 1990.
He was employed as an auto mechanic for many years at State College Ford, as well as with the previous owners of State College Ford.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany during World War II.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #245 of State College and the VFW Post # 5825 of Pine Grove Mills.
He was an avid harmonica player and enjoyed attending local jam sessions. He also was a country music lover and was a bald eagle collector.
He is survived by two daughters, Vicki L. Spadaccio and her husband James M. of Pennsylvania Furnace, and Trudi S. Holsopple and her husband Richard A., also of Pennsylvania Furnace; one sister, Evelyn Beschler of Bellefonte; and two grandchildren, Anthony D. Spadaccio of State College, and Scott A. Holsopple of Gainesville, FL and his fianc Yah Wuor.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his long time companion Patricia Sigel.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College.
Funeral Services will be held from the funeral home on Friday, October 31, 2008, beginning at 10 AM. Interment will take place at the Centre County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 123 S. Sparks St., State College, PA 16801.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com