Mr. Robert Lee Willis, Sr., 80, of Valdese, passed away, surrounded by his family, on May 21, 2024, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton following a period of declining health.
Robert was born April 11, 1944, in Henderson County, NC, to the late Norman Willis and Jessie Walker Willis. Notably, he was a Vietnam Veteran, honorably serving as Seargent in the United States Marine Corps. While enlisted, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Robert went on to travel the world and enjoyed sharing stories of his many adventures. He worked for the Waldensian Bakery, in Valdese, until he retired where he enjoyed gardening and collecting model trains. Robert was a long-time member of the United Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Frankie Louise Willis.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Brenda Willis; son, Robert Lee Willis, Jr. and wife Julie; daughter, Christy Greene and husband Brian; grandchildren, Zoe Willis, Kylie Willis, Hunter Greene and Steven Greene.
Funeral services for Robert Lee Willis, Sr. will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at United Baptist Church, in Valdese. Interment will follow at the Abernathy Family Cemetery in Enon.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M.
Memorials may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans Foundation at dav.org.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the Willis Family.
Brenda, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you & your family.
I didn’t know you, but, thank you for your service, Sir! God Bless Your Soul..! 🇱🇷
Brenda and family I am so sorry to hear of Roberts passing but we have known your family for a long, long time. My mother Brenda Barus worked with him at the bakery and all of y’all became friends he gave my brother his first job. He was a very awesome person and a very good friend to my mom and my family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.. May God just hold you in his hands and give you the strength you may need. Go RIP MR. Willis…. Your work on earth is done…
Brenda,
Thinking of you and fondly remembering Robert.
My! Do the years go by. My family and I have known your family since since before I started school. I was able to listen to Robert tell his stories about traveling. Brenda, my prayers and
Thoughts are with you and your family. Love,
Rob, deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Love, Rich and Maureen
Brenda, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.