Harold Wendt Willis

Harold W. Willis Sr., 88, of San Bernardino, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016, at his home in Redlands, California.
He is the son of Robert James and Della Wendt Willis. He was born October 7, 1927 in Marion, Alabama. Harold was raised in San Bernardino and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1944.
In his years he served as an Ensign, radio communication officer, for the U.S. Merchant marines in the Pacific and Japan (1945-1946). He was a student at Loma Linda University La Sierra (1950). and attended various courses at Valley College, San Bernardino.
Mr. Willis was very accomplished in his business, and developed close to 31 businesses in the Inland Empire. He, along with his father, were great innovators creating the first drive through, long before McDonald's caught on. He also made and built the first riding milking conveyor in California.
Mr. Willis was President and Owner of Victoria Guernsey (1963-2016). President and owner of Energy Delivery Systems, Food and Fuel and Harold Willis Enterprises. He served as San Bernardino City Water Commissioner and President of the Board of Water Commissioners during 1964-1998 (34 years). He served on the Board of Chancellors at Loma Linda University 1968-1985, President (1971-1974). He was President of the Southern California Striders Track and Field Club 2001-2002. With the Strider's relay team set the indoor world record in the 4x800 m, and the distance medley relay US and World records for 60 year old's in 1992. Harold was a member of the California Dairy Industries Association, and served as President 1963-1964. He was on the Board of Directors of Liga International (Flying Doctors of Mercy) VP 1978 and President 1982-1983. He was a member of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). License Private Pilot, rated twin engine.
He was a lifetime member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (Deacon at San Bernardino SDA Church 1950-1967).
Survivors include his first wife Patsy Gay Bacon m. August 2, 1947 (div Jan 1975); children Harold Wendt II, Timothy Gay, April Ann, Brian Tad, Suzanne Gail; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. On September 23, 1984 married second wife, Ofelia Alvarez and had two children, Ryan Robert and Samantha Ofelia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Emerson and one son, Brian Tad Willis.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 28, 2016, at Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel with Pastor Randy Roberts officiating. Burial will be at Hillside Memorial Park in Redlands, California.
Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Thursday, January 28, at the same chapel located at 703 Brookside Avenue, Redlands, California 92373. Phone (909) 793-2311.