THOMAS WILLIS

 DEATH OF MR. T. WILLIS

ONE OF THE OLD SCHOOL

Another old townsman has departed in the person of Mr, Thomas Willis, of Bartholomew-street. He had been much troubled in later years by loss of sight, and this affected his general health. During the recent heat wave, he had a stroke and was confined to his bed. He died on Sunday night at the age of 72. Thomas Willis was one of the old school. His father was a man who made and mended shoes before machines came into vogue. Tom worked with him in the shop, and gained a practical acquaintance with the business to which he eventually succeeded. The time came when it was more profitable to sell shoes than make them, and Tom moved from the little shop where his father had carried on, to a larger one on the other side. He still continued to make to measure, but the demand was more for manufactured goods. In the selection of these he was an excellence judge, the best in town. When his sight failed he developed a wonderful sense of touch, and could tell the quality or finish of a shoe by running his hands over it. Experts were amazed at his skill in this direction.

Tom Willis had in his time played many parts unknown to most of the present generation. He had scored success as the leading character in "Poor Pillicoddy," and other farces, whilst as a corner-man in a troupe of blackened minstrels he made a decided hit. Once he acted as showman to a collection of Newbury characters in a "wax-work" exhibition, and was able to relate many amusing anecdotes of old-time personalities. He was always ready to help young fellows run a show, and took an active share in the entertainment of soldiers on the march in co-operation with the Rev. W.C. Parr, who initiated the movement in Newbury. At a school treat he was invaluable as a brewer of tea and provider of cake and bread-and-butter. Nothing pleased him better than to help children enjoy themselves, and they regarded him with much affection.

There was also a serious side to Tom's character. A Sunday School teacher, he spent many hours of devotion to this labour of love. He had a happy method of interesting children, and his homely illustrations impressed them. A succession of rectors and curates at St. Nicholas found in Tom Willis a willing and a valuable helper in all good works. When ever they wanted a hint on parochial work they dropped into his shop for a chat, and benefited by his long experience in church affairs. Most of his customers were personal friends, and he recognised them more by sound than sight. He was always cheery and conversational, and, until illness prevented, was seldom missing from his accustomed place behind the counter. He leaves a sister, who had been his devoted companion in home and shop.

The funeral takes place tomorrow (Friday).

Newbury Weekly News 26 July 1923

Mrs. P. p.126 LN (Q) 2 died 22 July 1923 aged 72 buried 27 July 1923 aged 72 from 134 Bartholomew-street Bk 1917 p. 082 no. 10255

Also Julia Mary Willis died 1 October 1927 aged 72

The late Mr. Thomas Willis

The funeral took place on Friday afternoon, the first part of the service at the Parish Church, conducted by the Rector (Rev. L.R. Majendie) and Rev. A.H. D Newbold (Vicar of Speen).

The mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Willis (nephew and niece), Mr. Harold Willis (nephew), Mrs. Harriet Willis (sister-in-law), Messrs. W. and L. Noakes.  

Amongst those in attendance where Mr councillor Arthur Elliot, Messrs Rupert Adey, G Withers, F H Stillman, W Garland, A Attewell, J S Herbert, C Crawford, W G Stillman, W Jones, miss Roche etc.

The floral offerings included from his sister Polly Harriet, Hilda Rich and Pete, Misses and Mr F C Dryland (reading), Mrs E L Staples, Mr and Mrs J M Lay (Thatcham), Mr and Mrs W Noakes and family, Mr Louf, Mr and Mrs W N Clark, Mr and Mrs J Baton, Mr. James Tuffnail.

Interment was in the Newtown-road cemetery.   NWN   02/08/1923