Willis "Tunie" Vanness

Willis “Tunie” Vanness, 89, of Amarillo (formerly of Ripley, TN), passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home Chapel, 4180 Canyon Drive, with Pastor Mickey Head officiating. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM on Wednesday at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Tunie was born on October 15, 1932 in Ripley, Tennessee to Milo and Montie Vanness. He graduated from high school in Ripley. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married his wife Jean on October 15, 1960 in Ripley. They shared many years together until her passing in 2012. Tunie worked for the Enterprise of Lauderdale County in Ripley for many years. After moving to Amarillo in 2013, he worked for the Amarillo VAMC in housekeeping. In his spare time, Tunie was a talented author, writing numerous poems. He enjoyed fishing. He was dedicated to caring for his daughter before she passed away. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean Vanness; his daughter, Melinda Vanness; a brother, Raymond Vanness; and two sisters, Louise Davis and Mildred Akin.

Survivors include two brothers, Jack Vanness and wife Elcia of Illinois, and James Vanness of Ripley, TN; and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the VAMC.

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