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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 at https://give.shpbeds.org/page/FUNZNLRLQRF
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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My life was forever changed for the better the day I met him in 1984. Rest in peace my friend. Maz
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Lin was a fine man, he will be truly missed.
I will forever cherish the memories of those long conversations in the parking lot outside the church. Long after others had gone, you always took the time to stay, to listen, and to share your wisdom and life experience with those fortunate enough to be present in those moments. You were a point of light for many people, and the qualities we cherished most about you will continue to live on in us. The lessons, kindness, and wisdom you shared will remain a part of who we are and who we are still becoming. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
I was do blessed to be in contact with Lin. He was my 1st cousin on my grandfather side (Albert Willis). We had great visits and I will miss him. May he rest in peace and sending. My love and prayers for his daughter Lou and their family
That was probably the most beautiful and real obituary I have ever read. I was an acquaintance of Lin's and enjoyed his wisdom so much. He was a great mentor, friend and was truly an inspiration to me as I am sure he was to many others. He was so uplifting and helped me in my own recovery. I was honored and humbled to know this man. RIP Lin. Prayers to you all.
You were truely a good man, and I'll miss you, brother!