Shannon Willis, 53, of Hortense, Ga. met his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 23, 2026 after a sudden illness. Shannon was a devoted father, papa, life partner, friend to many and a man of extraordinary talents who used them to express his love and concern to others. He was an exceptional craftsman who was self-taught in painting, woodburning and drawing in which he expressed his love for those he created things for. Shannon was also a gifted musician, self-taught again through all genres, but 80s rock had to be his favorite. He never met a stranger anywhere he went and loved to make others laugh with his jokes and telling stories. His kindness was shown because of his love for Jesus Christ and he would share his testimony and things he had learned from his studying of the Bible. Family and friends were people he was very loyal to and would go the “extra mile” for them. He would be seen showing the “peace sign” and would always say, “I’ll see you later!”. His parents, Donnie Willis and Karen Bell preceded him in death along with his paternal grandparents, Nanny Jettie and William “Barney” Willis; maternal grandparents, Roy Nail and Bobbie Bush and Uncle Dale Willis.

Survivors are his daughter, Breena “Doodle” (Michael) Cothren of Hortense; granddaughters, Aubree “Spider Monkey” and Kymbree Cothren; his companion of 18 years, Krissy Bechtold of Hortense; bonus family members, Jimmy Drury, Jay (Renee) Drury, Cole (Lindsey) Lilybug; several aunts, including special Aunt Sherrie “Sissy” Hendrix, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be 3 PM Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Rinehart Chapel with Rev. Harold Hand officiating. Interment will follow in the Little Creek Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jay Drury, Cole Lee, George Keithley, Clint Hendrix, Tyler Bechtold and Michael Cothren.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.