DALLAS — A man known for making people happy is gone, and a North Texas community is in mourning over the death of George Willis.
School children, parents and strangers who never knew his name have shed tears remembering the Dallas crossing guard known for his animated waves and infectious smile. Parents, children and drivers say the crosswalk Arapaho Road and Nedra Way will never be the same.
"He was always present, always waving," said Pam Aitken, principal at Prestonwood Elementary. "He was just a huge part of everyone's day over here."
Willis was the personable crossing guard, just down the street from the school.
No matter what kind of weather, if school was in session, he would be at this corner.
"He was that ray of sunshine that if you crossed his path, he was going to make an impression on you," said Katie Patterson, Prestonwood PTA president.
To the kids he was known as "Snoop" because of his likeness to rapper Snoop Dogg. To parents and drivers who never knew his name, he became a symbol of life's simple pleasures.
"We took this path because of the waves and the smiles we would get daily to start our day," said Melissa Plaskoff, a parent. "How could you go any other route?"
Those who knew Willis are not surprised that he never told anyone he was dying of liver cancer. His love for children kept him at the crossing until last week when he died.
"Honestly, no matter who it is, it could be President Obama, nobody is going to fill George's shoes," Patterson said.
Parents have set up a memorial to a man they call "the best crossing guard ever." They left flowers, stuffed animals and heartfelt messages of what he meant to them.
"Thank you for reminding us about the strength of a smile and a wave," one message read. "it helps make my life happier with the simplest of gestures."
"You just kind of expect that he's always going to be there," Patterson said. "So, when he's not, there's this huge loss. It's a hole that we won't ever be able to fill."
A memorial service for Willis was held Saturday.
E-mail sstoler@wfaa.com
