James Richard Willis (JR) Obituary (1926 - 2013)

Born Oct 02, 1926, James Richard Willis (JR) attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about James Richard Willis (jr).

Graduation Year	Class of 1946
Date of Birth	Oct 02, 1926
Date of Passing	Sep 11, 2013
About	James Richard Willis ("JR") of Roanoke passed away Wednesday evening September 11, 2013. Richard was born in Roanoke to the late Ernest and Josephine Willis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Carolyn Jannie Wills and a sister, Helen Clinebell. After high school, Richard joined the Navy and served aboard the Battleship Wisconsin for two years during WWII. In December 1946, he married Barbara Jannie (his "sweet girl") and they shared sixty- six wonderful years together. Richard was a graduate of William Byrd High School, Virginia Tech where he graduated first in his class of Economics and the Unity School of Christianity. As a licensed Unity Teacher and member of the Unity of Roanoke Valley Church, he taught classes for many years. Being in construction, he was also involved in additions made at the church. He retired from Norfolk & Western Railway with twenty years of service. After retiring from the railroad, Richard got into the construction business and built several buildings in the Roanoke area. Richard was an avid bridge player and earned Life Master Status traveling and winning trophies in quite a few states. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Roanoke Shrine Club and in the Director's Staff, Roanoke Elks Lodge, Am Vets Club, and Roanoke Moose Lodge. He is survived by his wife Barbara Willis; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Eric Steele of Roanoke; sisters Dorothy English and Violet Munsey and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 2:30 PM with Dr. Maurita Wiggins (family friend) officiating. Entombment will be in Chapel of Light Mausoleum at Evergreen Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Angels of Assisi 415 Campbell Avenue SW Roanoke, VA 24016. The family will receive friends Saturday one hour prior to the funeral service at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel. The family is grateful to the Veterans Care Center and Good Samaritan Hospice (Lisa, Brian, Sandi, and Jean) for the loving care he received.