Clinton Howard "Clint" Willis Jr.

Clinton Howard “Clint” Willis Jr. of Carteret County, North Carolina, passed away March 6, 2026, in Morehead City, NC at the age of 77. A lifelong waterman, community advocate, photographer, and supporter of coastal traditions, Clint leaves behind a legacy deeply connected to the waters and communities of Down East, North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00, Sunday, March 15, at Smyrna United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

Clint was born April 19, 1948, in Morehead City to Clinton Howard Willis Sr. and Mary Pauline Merrill Willis. Like his father, Clint was known for his warm personality and the belief that he never met a stranger. His easygoing nature allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life, speaking with anyone as though they had known each other for years.

In the 1980s, Clint founded the Carteret County Waterman’s Association, bringing together commercial fishermen from across the county to advocate for the issues affecting their livelihoods. At a time when fishing communities were often divided by different fisheries issues, Clint helped create a unified voice for local watermen.

Through the association, Clint worked closely with North Carolina Sea Grant and other organizations on matters affecting the commercial fishing industry. His calm and respectful approach allowed him to communicate with many groups, including leaders of rival sport-fishing organizations. By building relationships with local media, fisheries managers, and fishermen themselves, Clint helped ensure that the voices of Carteret County watermen were heard.

The association also organized the annual North Carolina Commercial Fishing Show at the Civic Center in Morehead City, which for several years served as its primary fundraiser and brought together fishermen, vendors, and members of the coastal community from across the state.

Clint believed strongly in giving back. Alongside his dear friend D.A. Lewis of Marshallberg, he worked for a State funded program for young adults with autism that taught them to build crab pots for the local fishing community. Clints designs were an integral part of the development and processes used in the program. This program allowed participants to earn income while learning valuable lifelong skills.

In addition to his work on the water, Clint was an avid photographer. One of his proudest accomplishments was working alongside his daughter, Tiffany Willis Styron, to launch NC Coastal Home & Design Magazine, a publication that became widely loved throughout coastal North Carolina.

Clint also loved basketball and baseball and rarely missed important moments in the lives of his loved ones. His grandson, Michael McCallister Styron, held a special place in Clint’s heart, and he took great pride in the man he became.

For the past 15 years, Clint shared a loving marriage with his wife, Pam Partin Willis. He was a devoted and caring husband, and the two shared many memories together in the Marshallberg community he held dear to his heart.

Clint is survived by his wife Pam Partin Willis, his daughter Tiffany Willis Styron, her husband James Michael Styron Jr., and their son Michael McCallister Styron, his sister Beverly Joy Willis Daniel; his son Howard Phillip Finch; stepdaughters Heather Fuquay and Katie Fuquay; his nephews & nieces, and step-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Howard Willis Sr. and Mary Pauline Merrill Willis, and his sister Bettina Dare Gilchrist of Beaufort.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.org

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.