Deputy Jon Willis "wanted to help someone"

Deputy Jon Willis "wanted to help someone" (Added: July 29, 2010)

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Jon Willis was known for his work as a deputy in Greene County, but his career extended further than law enforcement. (more)

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By Alex Freedman
Published: July 29, 2010
Updated: July 29, 2010 - 6:45 PM

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GREENVILLE, N.C. - Jon Willis was known for his work as a deputy in Greene County, but his career extended further than law enforcement.

Willis also helped out with designing law enforcement vehicles at Solar Creations in Winterville.

Both his basic law enforcement training instructor and the owner at solar creations say he was a man that would do anything to help someone in need.

"One of my slogans here is some people are meant to be the police and some people are meant to call the police and truly he was meant to be the police," said Jeff Robinson, with PCC Public Safety Training Director.

Few people find their calling, but Jeff Robinson says Deputy Jon Willis knew his all along.

"That's what he wanted to do, he wanted to help somebody and even last night - same case - wanted to help someone," said Robinson.

Robinson taught Willis during his time in law enforcement training.

"I would say he was a quiet giant," said Robinson.

But Michael Roberson with Solar Creations in Winterville says he was a different side.

"Never a dull moment; if you knew him in law enforcement he was a very stern and quiet person, when you knew him in the personal sense - very bubbly. You would never see the two sides ever mix so well, but they did," said Roberson.

When Willis wasn't on the beat he helped Roberson out designing and repairing law enforcement vehicles.

"The camera system was giving us some issues and so he changed out a DVD drive yesterday and, just...you know it was hard to come in and see the car this morning," said Roberson.

Roberson says a conversation he had recently with Willis helps him get through today.

"Very recently I had the opportunity to sit down at lunch and talk to Willis about his salvation and it was a very, very nice talk," said Roberson.

Michael Roberson at solar creations has been asked to make a graphic of the Greene County Sheriff’s Badge.

It will go on a Fountain Police motorcycle that Willis built himself. The badge will also be presented to his family in honor of Willis' service to his community.

August 2^nd, this Monday, is Willis’ birthday. He would have been 32-years-old.