On November 15, 2013, our beloved Willis, after a brief illness, heeded His call and went home to be with the Lord. He departed this life at Elmhurst Hospital Center, Queens, New York. Willis was born on April 21, 1941 to wonderful parents, Deacon Shedrick "Bubba" and Mary Middleton Gaillard, who preceded him in death. At an early age, he knew of the Creator above and joined his family church, Pilgrim Baptist Church in Pineville, SC. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in East Elmhurst, New York. Willis was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County. After knowing there was so much out in the world, in the early 1960s, he took his adventures to Philadelphia and onward to New York City. Willis was employed with the New York Board of Education as a maintenance supervisor until his retirement in 1999. Willis was an avid lover of music: Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Christian and even Rap. There was not a song that he did not know and had many records to prove his passion. Willis was often the life of every gathering and his presence lit the room. His voice was infectious and his laugh was priceless. It was no secret that Willis loved cars. He could work on cars in his sleep. Whenever you had a problem or a question about a car, or anything mechanical, he would be there to help you at no expense to him. We could honestly call him the "Jack of All Trades." There was nothing that he would not do for you. He enjoyed being with people, talking, cooking, gardening, dancing, listening to his music and being with his family. Quiet and humble - he was everyone's friend, brother, uncle, son and confidant. Willis loved life and lived it to the fullest. He did things his way. He had a loving and giving spirit that endeared others to him. Willis never met a stranger. Just ask anyone who had the pleasure of being in his presence. His loving memory will be cherished by: his sisters, Rosetta Gaillard of Woodbridge, VA and Mary Ruth Gaillard of Riverdale, GA; reared as brothers in the home, John (Viola) Gaillard of Pineville, SC and Silas Gaillard of Philadelphia, PA; a loving godmother, Earnestine Williams of Alabama; a nephew and nieces whom he reared, Elder Benedict Burroughs of Kingstree, SC, Bernita Burroughs, Felicha Gaillard and Chenell (Harvey Fox) all of Queens, NY and Cassandra (Irving) Jenkins of Woodbridge, VA; eight grandnieces and grandnephews; one great-grandnephew; a host of close friends and adopted families that will miss him dearly. Willis was loved by all; he is gone but will never be forgotten. To view his funeral arrangements, please click on 'SERVICE SCHEDULE'. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please click on 'SIGN GUESTBOOK'. Thank you!