Linwood “Lin” Imhof Willis Jr.

Linwood “Lin” Imhof Willis Jr., 83, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and close friends after a brief illness.

A New Year’s baby, Lin was born in 1943 in Vienna, Virginia to the late Linwood and Opal Willis. He proudly served the United States Air Force as a mechanic in the early years of his adulthood. He lived a multifaceted life where he explored careers in insurance sales and professional photography until he found his true passion as a drug and alcohol counselor. He moved to Morganton in 1984 to serve as the Director of the Council on Alcoholism of Burke County and then later as the regional supervisor for the Drug Abuse and Alcoholism Rehabilitation Treatment program for western North Carolina state correctional facilities.

Both professionally and personally he lived with a quiet heart of service, never wanting recognition for helping countless individuals improve their lives, saving and feeding hundreds of cats, donating to nonprofits in danger of closing, even secretly mowing the lawn or dropping off diapers for a neighbor in need. He never lost his love of photography and had an endless curiosity with the world around him forever seeing purpose in things others had thrown away. His greatest trait was his deep belief and hope for a shared humanity, that we don’t have to be “fixed” or “together” to be worthy of space and connection. He meant it for both himself and others, often saying “I’m not ok, you’re not ok, and that’s ok.”

Lin was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his daughter Loise Hill, his granddaughter Grace Hill, his son-in-law Gus Hill, and a large extended family. He will be remembered for his caring spirit, desire to help others, quiet strength, quirky sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family and friends. He was a friend to many and will be greatly missed.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and medical staff of Amorem who provided comfort and support during his final days. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 21 at 6:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Morganton fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sleep in Heavenly Peace-Morganton.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.