Willis C. White, Sr. passed away on Friday, June 12 ^th , 2015 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.  He was born in Culpeper, VA on April 22, 1919 to the late Violet Lambert and John A. White.  He attended school in Culpeper and later moved to Dutchess County.  In 1940, he married Earnestine Mayfield and from this union came three children, Willis Jr, William Charles and Marguerite Ann. Earnestine predeceased Willis in 1979 and he later married Laura Patrice in 1981. Willis was self-employed, owning a trucking business and later years, worked at IBM until his retirement.  He joined Smith Street AME Zion Church and remained a faithful member for over 75 years.  He was a charter member of Nimrod Lodge No. 96 PH and served for over 50 years.  He was also a charter member of Excelsior Chapter 72, OES, PHA as well as the Nimrod Rod and Gun Club.  In 1943, he joined the U.S. Army's all black 83 ^rd Signal Battalion, arriving overseas in time to participate in the last major battle of the war at Okinawa, where he as part of Army Elements supporting the US Marines.  He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946 as a Sergeant. Willis is survived by sons, Willis C. Jr, (Charlotte) of Poughkeepsie, William C. Sr (Elise) of Silver Spring, MD, Marguerite Brewster (Jim) of Elgin, TX, a brother, Clayton White (Cheryl) of Philadelphia, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of friends. He was predeceased by two grandchildren, William C. White Jr. and Leonard John White. Wednesday, June 17th, 7pm - Masonic Funeral Service Thursday, June 18th , 9-11am - Viewing Friday, June 18th, 11am - Funeral Service Entombment immediately following service at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY