Ed "Coach" Willis - Wheaton Academy Memorial Fund

Leo McDonald is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Wheaton Academy.

Tax deductible

Would you contribute to a permanent, on campus Ed Willis memorial and student scholarship? My name is Leo McDonald, friend and co-grandparent with Ed.

Like many of you, my life was greatly impacted by Ed. His 50 plus years of teaching, coaching, and counseling young people at schools in Virginia, Florida, Indiana, and Illinois left an indelible impression on many students and athletes.

One of those schools, Wheaton Academy, has a desire to see Ed memorialized on campus so that his contributions and "story" can be shared with future generations. In addition to honoring Ed's coaching career in the gym, an annual scholarship will be set up with all money contributed to helping a student experience the Christian education and mentorship that Ed dedicated his life to.

There have been an overwhelming flow of personal stories from students, athletes, coaches, teachers and parents, sharing the personal impact that Ed had on their lives.

"Ed was inspirational in his deep commitment to serving his students and players." -Ted E. (Teacher & co-worker)
"Coach Willis loved truthfully without condition. He chose to look at us as Christ does. He definitely told us when we were wrong but loved us all the same. . . I admired his love for broken people." - Sarah H. (student and athlete)
"He was an incredible encouragement to me in my faith and my coaching career. I will always cherish his encouraging words and faithful friendship. I am thankful for his life." -Paul F. (Coach and Teacher)
"Mr. Willis was my coach but much more. He was someone who cared for both my love of sport and my soul." - Taryn Lee Russo (student and athlete)

This is our chance to recognize and memorialize that life and the ways God blessed us through Ed Willis by contributing to a memorial on campus visible for the next generations.