Willis Ray Haws
1938—2025

Willis Ray Haws, formerly of Beauty, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Bean Station, Tennessee.

Born July 28, 1938, in West Virginia, he was the son of the late Janie Blackburn and Hezekiah Haws.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Haws.

Willis graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1960 from the University of Kentucky, where he also earned three master’s degrees. He went on to work in education as a principal, high school counselor and school administrator for many years. In the early 80s he worked in the central office as director of buildings, grounds and transportation for a brief time. He retired from education in September 1994.

He was a member of the Warfield Masonic Lodge #882 for over 50 years, a Shriner, and a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association, the Big Sandy Retired Teachers, the Martin County Retired Teachers, and Gideons International.

Willis married his beloved wife, Shirley, on July 19, 1969.

He is survived by his daughter, Teddi, of Warsaw; brothers, John David (Ruth) Fleming of Taylorsville and Hayes (Elizabeth) Moore of Bean Station, Tennessee; grandchildren, Shalynda (Dalton) Harris and Jamie Oscar Scott; great-granddaughter, Aubryn Ray Harris; and a special friend of the family, Kelly Coffey. He is also survived by his niece Sabrina Moore of Johnson County and nephew David Hayes Moore of Riverside, California.

A funeral service took place Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at the Martin County Middle School in Warfield, with Wayman McGuire and Fred Wiles officiating. Burial followed at the Richmond Cemetery in Prestonsburg. Special services and Masonic rites were conducted Friday.

In memory of Willis, donations can be made to Gideons International. Arrangements are under the direction of the Callaham Funeral Home, Inez.