Meet Our Family
In 1942, Jay Willis founded the Florida Tree Service by Jay Willis in Jacksonville, Florida, to bring a caring crew and the best tree services to his hometown. As the years passed, his company grew from a truck and some tools to many trucks and a skilled crew. Rodney joined the family business in his late teens and quickly grew into one of the company's most dedicated employees.
After Jay passed away in the early 2000s, Rodney quickly took over the Florida Tree Service. He became the company's leader and did his best to fill his father's shoes as one of the best tree surgeons in Jacksonville. Today, the Florida Tree Service by Jay Willis is the Rodney Willis Florida Tree Service. It is still locally owned and operated by Rodney and his wife, Shana. Rodney had already been working alongside his father for the past 40 years as a crew member, tree climber, and business partner, so he was happy to continue doing what he loved. He works hard for this business, but not without help from his family. Shana manages the office and responds to service inquiries, while Rodney quotes jobs and instructs teams. Keeping the company genuinely a family business, their grandsons, Damon and Jaden, are part of the staff.
Damon and Jaden are their family's fourth generation of tree service experts. Damon is now Rodney’s second in command after working with him for almost a decade. He is learning everything he needs to know to take over the family legacy one day. Jaden currently is balancing college and work, and excelling at both while preparing for his future.
Even after all these years, the company still works hard to bring Jacksonville high-quality tree services. Keeping the company operating smoothly is the best way to remember Jay Willis. Rodney Willis Florida Tree Service is one of the few truly family-owned and operated tree service companies left in Northeast Florida.
Rodney & Shana Willis
Owners, CEO, and Office Supervisor
Damon Carter
Crew Operations Supervisor
Jaden Carter
Crew Operations Member
photos from 1995
Jacksonville Legacy
It is an honor to be a part of such a wonderful community for so many years! Our family is grateful for the continuous support and customer relationships. Jay Willis would be proud of where the company is today.