Wallace (Wally) Phillip Willig

Wallace (Wally) Phillip Willig, 85, passed away July 22, 2023 in Charleston, SC preparing his latest sailboat for his next adventure. Wally was born in Middletown, PA, on  April 14, 1938 to the late Joseph W. and Helen O (Putt) Willig.

Wally worked his way up the ladder at Hershey Foods Corporation, Hershey, PA for 37+ years retiring as Director of Commodities.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Lois Hilcker Willig, his daughters: Kyra Granzow (Robert), Kim Gibson and Karen Bateman (Michael), grandchildren: Matthew, Adam, Brooke, Crystal, and David, as well as several great grandchildren and nephews. He was preceded in death by four adult and three infant siblings.

Retiring to Bluffton, SC, allowed Wally's "Community Minded Spirit" to manifest in three cross-country bicycle rides benefiting local charities, and managing kitchens to cook 100 turkeys for 13 consecutive "Free Annual Community Christmas Day Dinners" on Hilton Head Island. He was a member of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-1 Hilton Head Island; Sun City Cyclers, Sun City, SC; Masonic Lodge #348 Hardeeville, SC and St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Okatie, SC.

Wally loved challenges and his mantra was that he (we) can make this happen. Whether the project called for woodworking, cooking or horticulture, he used his creativity to come up with plans and designs himself.

Wally's life-time, self-taught passion for sailing took him to ports far and wide where he touched so many lives. His "Larger than Life" personality and great hugs provided him with the ability to make everyone he met feel special!

Wally's extraordinary life will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 15, 2:00 PM at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3080 Okatie Hwy. (Rt. 170) Okatie, SC, 29909. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. If unable to attend, the service will be posted online at later date.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Luke's United Methodist Church (PPI-Property, Preservation and Improvement Fund) PO Box 2779, Bluffton SC 29910 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

Thank you for loving Wally.