Community Mourns Former Florence Mayor Frank Willis

Former Florence Mayor Frank Willis passed away Friday morning, according to Mike Miller with the Greater Florence County Chamber of Commerce.

Miller said Willis has always been a friend to Florence and will be dearly missed. Willis served as the mayor of Florence from 1995 until 2008.

FMU President Dr.Fred Carter issued the following statement on the passing of former Florence Mayor Frank Willis:

“Frank Willis was a consummate gentleman, a selfless public servant, and a steadfast friend. Folly and I join the entire Francis Marion University community in extending our deepest condolences to Marguerite. I had the pleasure of working closely with Frank while he was mayor and truly enjoyed our time together then and afterward — including a number of successful economic development trips that he led abroad. I deeply appreciated his vision and his unique ability to foster that vision into reality. Frank’s work established the groundwork for much of the economic and social progress Florence and Pee Dee have enjoyed over the last two decades. He will be missed, but his impact will continue to be felt for a great many years to come.”