M.A. Andrews

Gene Mintz (left) helps out the main man, Steve Willis, in the back workshop. Jason Hovis (not shown) also assists Steve.

Tommy Willis was a member of the U.S. Navy SeaBees, got married and had his first son, Ernie in 1957. Four years later, in September of 1961, he decided to go into business for himself. Tommy was in the process of building metal work tables when his wife, Jane, was in the hospital getting ready to give birth to their second son, Steve. Steve is now the main technician at Willis Auto Electric.
This year they are celebrating 50 years of working on alternators, generators and starters. Their reputation for quality work is impeccable and the knowledge that it takes to do this kind of work is rare. The baby born as his dad was going in business is the blessing of WIllis Auto Electric. Jane and Tommy’s second son, Steve is the heir apparent and the main man with the company. He grew up around and in the business and started learning when he was just eight years old. Steve, today is highly regarded as one of the best in the business.
  Tommy and Jane have been married for 57 years and both are in their 70’s. In 2007 the family had a scare and crisis when Jane developed leukemia. She is doing fine today, after extensive treatment in Winston-Salem.
      Willis Auto Electric is not only a proud part of Cleveland County, but one of the most respected businesses throughout the Carolinas. They are located at 1012 South Morgan St., Shelby.