Wendell Richard Willsea Jr.

Wendell R. Willsea, Jr., age 75, of Demorest, Georgia passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Mr. Willsea was born on October 15, 1950 in Paw Paw, Michigan to the late Wendell R. Willsea, Sr. and Shirley Cameron Willsea. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Mike French.

Wendell retired from a long and honorable career in the UAW steel industry and has also devoted 25 years of dedicated service to Kohler. Faith was a cornerstone of Wendell’s life, he was an active and devoted member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Searcy, Arkansas, where he faithfully served as a church trustee and shared his voice as a member of the choir. His commitment to service extended beyond the church, as he also gave ten years of his time as an assistant leader with the Boy Scouts. After moving to Georgia, Wendell embraced a new chapter by opening his own home repair business, Home Repair By Papa Bear. Through his work, he not only helped countless homeowners but also built lasting friendships. Above all else, Wendell cherished his family. They were the center of his world, and nothing brought him greater joy than his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Papa.” His kindness, steady presence, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Antoinette Derucki Willsea, of Demorest; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Richard and Stephanie Willsea, of Summerville, SC; son, Anthoney Wayne Willsea, of Santa Rosa, CA; grandchildren, Ashley Willsea, Megan Goth and Josi, Thomas Willsea, Nicole Willsea, Richard Willsea, IV, Lauren Willsea; brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Cathy Willsea, of Illinois; sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Holmes, Faye Rossman and John; brother-in-law, Raymond Derucki and Gabriel Montano.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Summerville, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, 1600 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.