Willis Kerr Fannin

Willis (Will or Willie) Kerr Fannin, age 71, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025 in Grove City, Ohio. Willis was born in Circleville, Ohio, on December 4, 1953 to the late Joy (McCalla) Fannin and Evan Willis Fannin. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Fannin. Will was a 1972 graduate of Circleville High School and a 1977 graduate of Franklin University. He began his career at Belmont Casket as a transportation manager. He spent his entire professional life in the warehousing and transportation industry, retiring after many successful years from Boehringer Ingelheim in Columbus. A man of great passion and thoughtfulness, Will embraced life fully. He loved to travel, with Captiva Island, Florida, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, being his most cherished destinations. His love for the beach led him to deep-sea fishing, a pastime that brought him immense joy. He was particularly proud of his biggest catch—a massive marlin in Cabo San Lucas—a memorable accomplishment. Closer to home, Will was once an avid golfer and a dedicated member of a bowling league for several years. He also found relaxation and satisfaction in gardening and working in his yard, aboard his beloved John Deere tractor. Will was a gifted and creative cook, transforming simple meals into "artistic masterpieces." After retirement, Will dedicated some of his free time to working in various aspects of ticket sales for sporting events and theme parks. He was a dependable OSU and Cincinnati Reds fan. He helped out at Shelby’s Landromat transporting uniforms to local high schools and college teams. He also cherished his relationships with others. He loved his condo community at Big Bear Farms in Powell, often noting how they came together like a family for various activities including sitting around the campfire, playing poker, watching sports, celebrating holidays or just relaxing in the sun by the pool. He is survived by cousins and many friends. Will was a light to all that met him. He will be sadly missed by many, but to name a few: Brooke (Troy) Adkins and family, Curtis and Karen Fannin, Mary Kay Fannin, Shelby’s Landromat, Tim and the staff at Chubby’s Sports Grill, Cardell and the Cincinnati Reds, Dave and Joseph Clinger, the staff at Marriott Northeast, and special friend Judy Boch and family. Our family would like to send a special thanks to his general practitioner, Dr. Milks, Brookdale Senior Living in Grove City, Ohio and Heartland Hospice for their dedicated care to Will. An intimate graveside service will be held Friday November 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Beckett Cemetery, Commercial Point, Ohio. For those who wish memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Heartland Hospice.

Willis Kerr Fannin

December 4, 1953 - November 12, 2025