John T. Willis (1933–2023)

He graduated from Abilene High School in 1951 and then attended Abilene Christian College, graduating with a degree in Greek in 1955 and then completing a Master's degree in Old Testament in 1956.

John began teaching at David Lipscomb College in the Fall, as well as preaching in Lebanon and then Nashville. While teaching and preaching, John pursued a PhD in Biblical and Related Studies at Vanderbilt University, graduating in 1966.

In 1971, the Willis family moved back to Abilene and ACC, where John continued his teaching career until he retired in 2017. John and Evelyn were very active in the work of the Highland Church of Christ for the past half-century. John served as an elder at Highland from 1975 until 2023

John has spent his life studying the Old Testament. A biblical scholar and professor previously at David Lipscomb College and Abilene Christian University for 46 years, he inspires in his students an enthusiasm for the Old Testament, which can often be overlooked or undervalued in biblical studies. Willis has written commentaries on Genesis, 1 & 2 Samuel, and Isaiah.