Mr. Kenneth “Sonny” Alan Willis, 72, of Hildebran, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Frye Regional Medical Center, with his family at his bedside.

Sonny was born December 1, 1951, in Catawba County, to the late Jake Willis and Junie Lingerfelt Willis Shuford.  He was a member and a Deacon of Open Door Baptist Church in Longview and was a retired supervisor in the corrugated cardboard industry. With a servant’s humble soul and a spirit of generosity that knew no bounds, Sonny had a special place in his heart for “the least of these” in his community. He touched countless people and provided warm meals and messages of hope and encouragement through his tireless service in the Table of Grace Ministry at Open Door Baptist Church.

Sonny lived a simple, yet passionate life devoted to the Lord, his family and his church. He adored his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He loved his son-in-law and daughter-in-law just as much as he did his own children, and his grandchildren were the apples of his eye. He also had a special place in his heart for numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. He treasured his community and was well respected and loved by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his stepfather, Frank Shuford, and four brothers-in-law: Perry Shuford, Allen Church, Harvey Berry, and Garry Russell.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Kathy Russell Willis of the home, his children; Amy Willis Rhyne (Peter) and Chuck Willis (Amy). Also surviving are his grandchildren: Lance Willis, Jake Rhyne, Cadence Willis and Harper Willis. His surviving siblings are sisters Dorothy Shuford, Brenda Berry and Frances Church, brother Steve Willis (Debbie) and stepbrother Roger Shuford (Lucy).

Funeral services will be held Wednesday December 27, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Open Door Baptist Church, with Rev. Shawn Davis officiating. Entombment will follow at the Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum in Morganton.

The family will receive friends at Open Door Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m., immediately prior to the funeral service.

Memorials may be sent to Open Door Baptist Church, 3310 Main Avenue NW, Hickory, NC 28601.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Willis family.