Romeo Willis Gormley was born in New Sheffield, Pennsylvania on May 17, 1910. He was the son

of Leslie Moore Gormley, age 36, (farmer) and Cammie Lee Strickling Gormley, age 22, (housewife).

In the early 1920’s the family moved to Cedarville, OH. His father passed away in Cincinnati, OH

 on March 26, 1925 when Willis was fourteen.

         Willis received his education at Cedarville College, Cedarville, OH and Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH.

On May 6, 1937, Willis married Mary Lou McLaughlin. Their wedding announcement appeared in the

May 25, 1937 edition of the Goshen Booster. Mary was from Salem, Illinois. They had three children all

of whom attended Goshen schools: Donna Gormley Floyd (class of 1959), Lou Ann Gormley Combs (class of 1964

 who has now passed, and James Henry, who sadly passed in 1961 at the age of 10.

         Willis R. Gormley (as his name appears in all Goshen newspapers and yearbooks) began his teaching career

 at Goshen in 1937, and he held several positions including teaching math, Latin, physical education and

driver’s education. At one time, he was a teacher and principal at Edenton Middle School. In 1958, he returned

to Goshen and became the principal of Goshen High School and remained in that position until  1968.

         The class of 1962 dedicated the Goshenensis to Mr. Gormley. The dedication reads:

                                               In admiration for his excellent scholarship

                                               In appreciation of his able leadership

                                               In respect for his wise counseling

                                               In gratitude for his true friendship.

When asked to describe Mr. Gormley, former Goshen students used such words as "outstanding", "well liked",

"good teacher", "kind", "quietly helped students in any way he could", "not showy or an attention seeker",

"a good, good human being".

           Mr. Gormley enjoyed playing golf and bridge. After he retired, he became active in the Clermont County

Retired Teachers Association and even served as president. He was a charter member.

           Willis R. Gormley passed away on July 11, 1981 and his wife, Mary, a Goshen grade school teacher,

passed on July 24, 1989. They are buried in the Goshen Cemetery, Goshen, OH

Lytle Brown Class of 1960 nominated Romeo Willis R Gormley to the Goshen High School Alumni Hall of Fame.