Willis Smith Boice

Willis Smith Boice passed away peacefully on October 13th, 2009 surrounded by his loving family at Parkcliff Community. He was born on March 12, 1923 in Hibbing, MN to Lynn Harwood and Juanita Willis Smith. In 1928, Willis and his mother moved to Toledo and Juanita married John E. Boice. He grew up on Hopewell and went to Old Orchard Grade School and graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1941. His sporting interests in High School included golf and basketball. Willis then entered the University of Michigan that fall. His time at UM was interrupted when he enlisted in the Army for the World War II cause. After training at numerous locations throughout the USA, Willis ended up in Europe after D-Day in 1944. He was a Lieutenant and platoon leader of Company L, 101st infantry where he was awarded a bronze star. His award reads as follows: On 10 April 1945 while moving into the town of Lichtenau, 2nd Lieutenant Boice and his men were subjected to heavy enemy mortar, machine gun and sniper fire, and, in addition strafed by hostile aircraft. Skillfully maneuvering his platoon elements forward, Lt. Boice overran the hostile mortar position, captured 15 of the enemy, and compelled the rest to withdraw. Under his expert direction, the platoon cleared the town and secured it. His superior leadership, courage under fire and loyal devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lt. Boice and armed forces of the United States. Willis also provided his family with numerous accounts of his platoon freeing prisoners from concentration camps on their march into Germany. After the war, Willis returned to the University of Michigan where he concluded his studies with a degree in economics. Willis was also a member of the Chi Psi fraternity and played some JV football. Willis married Mary Anne Crosby in Grand Rapids, MI in 1950. After a few different sales positions in New York City, Willis ended up back in Toledo working for his father at Boice Crane which was a manufacturer of wood working machinery. In 1961, Willis met and married the love of his life, Annette Levis. In 1963 Willis founded Willis Machinery and Tools. This company imported and distributed work holding and machine tools from numerous European manufacturers. He started a few company relationships that are still ongoing today with a Swedish, Italian, and German machine tool builder. Willis also involved numerous children in this company over the years, and there are currently 3 children and 1 grandchild working there today. Willis also had a great passion for art collecting and sales. During his travels around the Country and the World he amassed quite a collection of American Western and European paintings and objects. Willis was also an avid golfer for most of his life. He was able to win 3 club championships at Toledo Country Club along with numerous father / son and other local tournaments. He also qualified and played in the US Senior Amateur tournament, and played in many PGA pro-am events, especially the Las Vegas Invitational, which he played 13 times. Willis was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather; his son, John; and his stepson, Michael. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Annette; his children, Stephen Boice, Lawrence Boice, Charlotte Mark Perry, Tricia Steve Dooley, and Peter Tracy Boice; his stepchildren, John Sharmon Minns, Marcia John Drumheller, Sharon Mark Newman; and 17 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday Oct. 17 at St. Michaels in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4718 Brittany Rd. at 11AM with Reverends Greg and Margaret Sammons officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to St. Michaels in the Hills, 4718 Brittany Rd., Toledo, OH 43615; the Evans Scholarship Foundation, 1 Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029; Alzheimers Association, 2500 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43615; or a charity of the donors choice. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home 419-841-2422. Online condolences may be sent to www.walkerfuneralhomes.com. The family wishes to thank the nurses and aides for their loving care during Willis stay at Parkcliff.