Willis Authorlee,78, was born November 24, 1943, in Opelousas, Louisiana to parents Mose Authorlee and Frances Collins Authorlee. He was raised in Opelousas and later moved to Kansas City and lived with his Aunt Louella Lewis. Willis was brought up in the Catholic Church and later expressed his faith in Christ and was baptized as an adult at Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor A. L. Johnson.

He was always willing to help his family, friends, and neighbors. It seems he never met a stranger and could engage in conversation for hours. Willis loved spending time outdoors, especially working in the yard, planting flowers, and landscaping. He also loved deer hunting, fishing, playing pool, and searching for a good bargain. He always had a project in the plans or one needing completion.

His work history included employment with the Kansas City Water Department, ten plus years with Owens Corning Fiberglass, twenty years with Kellogg Company in addition to having his own lawn service.

Willis departed this life on Sunday, October 23, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Willis R. Authorlee I, sisters Mary Authorlee Gilkey, Virgille Authorlee, and Pauline Authorlee; his brothers Carmen J. Authorlee, Calvin P. Authorlee, L. V. Authorlee, Curbey John Authorlee, and Lawrence Authorlee.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 47 years, Essie M. Authorlee, daughters Kennya Authorlee-Canaday (Derrick) and Sonya Authorlee, a daughter-in-law Monique Authorlee, eight grandchildren (Donovon, Dominic, Willis R Authorlee II, Ciera, Erica, William, Tyree, and Brooklynn) his sisters Maudry Tyson (Walter), Paula Hale (Keith), Lee Ester Tizeno, Queen Ester Authorlee and Emily Authorlee; his brothers Mose Authorlee, Clarence Authorlee (Debra) David Authorlee (Hilda) Wesley LeBlanc, and a host of nieces, nephews, two aunts, many cousins, and friends.

Willis will always be remembered for his pleasant smile, positive attitude, helpfulness and the love he shared for his family.