Mayor Willis D. NeSmith Jr. is a long-time resident of Lyons, Georgia, he was born in Vidalia, Georgia, and grew up in Toombs County. He attended Georgia Southern University but returned to Lyons to work with the family business. In 1988, he married his wife, Elizabeth Brogdon. Together, they have three children: Daniel, Will, and Sam. They also have four grandchildren: Micah, Jay, Sally, and Hampton.

Mayor Willis ran for city council in 2004 and served two terms from 2004 to 2011. He ran for mayor in 2012 and has held the role of mayor ever since, currently in his third term.

In his free time, Mayor NeSmith Jr. enjoys reading and swimming. He also loves fishing and hiking, although he rarely has time for these activities. He is actively involved in various organizations, including the Lyons Lions Club. Willis has also chaired the Toombs County Hospital Authority and has managed many local businesses. One of his significant accomplishments as mayor is changing the governing system from a Strong Mayoral government to a Weak Mayoral government with a full-time City Manager.

Mayor NeSmith acknowledges several individuals who have positively impacted his life, including his parents, Superior Court Judge Marvin Hartley, Eddie Tyson, and Mike McDonald, who helped get him involved in politics. Previous Mayor John Moore Sr. was also a vital mentor for Willis as he transitioned into politics. As Mayor, Willis D. NeSmith Jr. works on short-and long-term planning to improve the quality of living for the residents of Lyons