Carl Lester Willis, 82, of Round Rock, Texas, passed away on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at Round Rock Medical Center. He was born Jan. 1, 1943 in Paragould, Ark., to Carl Timothy Willis and Viva Boyd Willis.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Charla Valentine Willis; brother Charles Willis and wife Barbara; son Greg Willis and wife Peggy; daughter Laura Jones and husband Jeremy; grandchildren Connor Willis, Brooks Jones and Harper Jones; as well as beloved nephews and nieces.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents Carl T. Willis and Viva Willis; his older sister Lou Nell Willis; and younger sister Ann Bugg and her husband Lon.

He received his undergraduate degree in political science and philosophy at Ouachita Baptist University. He received his master's degree in journalism at the University of Missouri. He moved to Hattiesburg to become an associate professor of Journalism in the Department of Communications at the University of Southern Mississippi.

While in Hattiesburg, Carl married Charla Valentine in 1970. The couple moved to Memphis, where Carl worked at the Commercial Appeal as a managing editor on the copy desk. In 1978, the couple moved to Laurel to help manage Marcus Furniture and opened the Good Morning Mattress Center in Hattiesburg. In 2010, the couple moved to Austin, Texas, to continue working in the furniture business and to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Carl professed his life to Christ at an early age and served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Laurel.

Carl enjoyed tending to his flowerbeds, cooking and grilling and watching college football and basketball, but his life truly centered on his children and grandchildren. Nothing mattered more to him than being present for them. He found his greatest joy in selflessly devoting his time to his family, taking care of school pickups and practices for the grandchildren and being a constant presence at their performances and events – never arriving without snacks in hand.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 12:00PM until 2:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS with a Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 2:00PM at Lake Park Hill Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Rev. Ronney Joe Webb will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, consider memorial contributions to Samaritan's Purse or Hill Country Christian School of Austin.

Carl will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342