Willis Clarence Pickens, Jr., age 79, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Church in Garfield. Interment followed in Swan Cemetery in Garfield.
Willis was born November 18, 1944, in Anderson, SC, to the late Willis Pickens, Sr. and Mamie Odessa Pickens. He graduated from Boys High School in June 1963. In September 1965, Willis joined the US Army, serving as a Screaming Eagle with the 101 Airborne in Vietnam War. He was awarded the Parachute Badge, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. PFC Willis was honorably discharged with the distinguished Purple Heart in 1968 and worked with USPS until his retirement in the early 2000s. He was proud of being of service to his country and this pride was only eclipsed by the love he had for his family. Willis married his wife, Rosland Pickens, and they moved to Garfield to enjoy their retirement, but he always called New York home.
PFC Pickens is survived by his loving family and friends.
Mosley’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
