Harry L. “Piggy” Willis, 85, of Harger Avenue, Niles died Friday, June 11, 2010 at 3:25 p.m. at Silverbrook Manor in Niles following an extended illness.

Mr. Willis was born April 13, 1925 in Sumnerville, Mich. to Lester and Irene (Kasbaum) Willis. He lived most of his lifetime in this area. He retired in 1986 after 38.5 years of service at Bendix/Allied Signal in South Bend.

Mr. Willis was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Navy. He enjoyed golf, baseball and fast-pitch softball, winning a state softball championship in 1955. He also enjoyed lunching with retirees on a regular basis, especially Bendix retirees.

On April 10, 1951 in Dowagiac, he married the former Mary Jane Bray, who died March 23, 1994.

Harry is survived by his children, Kathy Blue and Cindy Willis, of Dowagiac and Rickey Willis, of Buchanan; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Mr. Willis was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mike Willis, who died Aug. 7, 2000; and a brother, Norman Willis, in May 1993.

Funeral services for Harry L. Willis will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Gerald Bushnell of Apostolic Lighthouse in Dowagiac officiating.

Interment will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Harry may be made to Hospice at Home.