Bobby Wayne Willis
1960-2014
Our beloved husband and father, Bob Willis, went to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 27, 2014, after a nine-month battle with brain cancer. Bobby (Bob) was born on November 7, 1960 in Columbus, Mississippi to Bob and Doris Willis.
Bob is an amazing man! He was a wonderful husband and father. He loved unconditionally, always encouraged us, and was always FOR us. He loved to laugh, listen, and talk. He knew how to enjoy life. He loved people so much. He spent his life pouring time and love into his family and into his many friends and spiritual sons and daughters. He was married for 31 years to wife Sherry. Bob earned his degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He was fascinated with technology and alternative energy. He started an alternative energy company called Sunrise Alternative Energy. He was an adjunct instructor in alternative energy at OSU-OKC. He attended the University of Oklahoma and was in Air Force ROTC, serving one year as Corps Commander. He served four years in the Air Force and achieved the rank of Captain.
Bob was a founding member of Bridgeway Church and served on the elder board for many years. He served as President of Oklahoma Renewable Energy Council. His hobbies included; horseback riding, reading, and fly fishing. Bob has a servant heart, a loving heart, a giving heart, and the heart of an encourager. We love him so much and will miss him deeply. We are so grateful that we will spend eternity with him.
Bob is survived by his wife Sherry Willis; daughters Katie Willis of Greenbelt, MD and Kristen Willis of Edmond, OK; sister Karen Reihing (John); brothers Benjamin Willis (Kirsten) and Brian Willis; nieces and nephews; Erin and Joseph Stryka, Megan Straughan (Alex Lanphere, Jake and Andrea Buckle, Clay Lightfoot, Luke and Elizabeth Lightfoot, Will Lightfoot and Fiona, Matilda, and Rachel Willis.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Duke University Cancer Research Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Brain Research, and/or Cross and Crown Mission.
Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Bridgeway Church.
Cross and Crown Mission:
1008 N. McKinley
OKC, OK 73106
Duke: https://www.gifts.duke.edu/?additional_designations=Gromeier+Poliovirus+Research+Fund+3915703
Memorial Sloan Kettering: http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/Events/GivingSite?pg=fund&fr_id=1580&pxfid=43132
I first me Bob when he started Sunrise Alternative Energy when I started doing heating and cooling loads and lay-outs for his company. I knew immediately that Bob was a man of great spiritual insight. It was a joy to talk with him about the Lord and how is his quite manner, he would give great insight. We need more men with the character that Bob had and the examples he set by his every day walk with the Lord.
He will be greatly missed and I will miss our talks. Betty and my prayers go out to the family and we will be praying for each of you
John Danley
Buddy and I first met Bob’s family at Mercy in the final weeks of his battle. While the times could not have been more difficult, Sherry, Kristin and Katie could not have been more loving and devoted. They were clearly at peace with Bob’s fate, no doubt due to their strong faith.
God Bless this family and Bob’s wonderful spirit.
Love,
Kerry and Buddy Maye
We knew Bob and his family through our neighbors, his Dad & Mom. Bob was a very kind person and enjoyable to talk with. He will be missed but we will see him again some day. He is in a better place.
Ken & Kris Dillon
I had the privilege of working with Bob at Boeing when I first hired in there in 1987. He was a sharp, funny, and gracious man, and he brought honor to everything he did. Even in the relatively short time I worked with him – barely more than two years – I thought of him as the ornery older brother I never had – but he helped me grow not just as a worker, but as a Christian as well. His devotion to family and faith was unmistakable, and his no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase way of handling problems was unmistakable and one I have tried to emulate.
Such a tragic loss, but eased in the knowledge he is home with Christ. My prayers to all his family during this time.
-David Whitney
Dear Family, I offer my deepest condolences for your devastating loss. May you be comforted by God’s loving promise to be reunited together again in the future Paradise. God is very aware of the pain and the many tears that you cry. Please be consoled by his loving promise at Acts 24:15. You’re in my prayers. (Revelation 21:4, 5)
Dear Bob,
I was so fortunate to have you as a brother-in-law. Watching you father Katie and Kristen, your pride and joy, and laughing with you and Sherry, clearly the love of your life, was an ongoing delight. Thank you for your love, loyalty, and constant generosity of spirit. I miss you so very much……..Carol
We send our deepest sympathy to Bobby’s entire family. Certainly your faith and the love and support of others will carry all of you through this unspeakable loss. Gail Trill and Linda Wikle
Jon and I were saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. We remember his humor and kindness. Sherry, you and your daughters are in our prayers.
I just found out about Bob’s passing and was so sad. I just wanted to say that he put in a GEO unit for me and I found him to be so nice. One day he apologized for not stopping by the day before explaining he was watching his daughters ride horses. I remember the joy in his face as he discussed his family and how proud he was of them all. Prayers for his family.
My name is Duane Boyd. I just ran across the announcement of the passing of Bobby Willis. So sorry to hear that. He is a great guy. We knew each other from high school, graduated same year, and Civil Air Patrol. So sorry to hear about this. I don’t think I knew about this. I had a severe brain injury a few years ago and sometimes I forget stuff
I just ran across this looking for my old friend. I’m sorry for your loss. Bob was one of a kind. I look forward to seeing him in heaven.
My husband Ron and I knew Bob and Doris Willis from being stationed at Clark Field AFB, Philippines, 1972-1974, and being members together there at Clark Field Baptist Church. Just newlyweds, Doris and Bob took us under their wing, so to speak, and let us into their family. We learned a lot about being parents by watching them with their children. We were again brought together when we were stationed at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, and soon found Bob and Doris lived there in Del City. They again opened their home to us. It was there I watched their kids in the large home, made comforting and welcoming by Doris and filled with graciousness and love by Bob. I was so sorry to learn of Bobby’s passing. He grew into a fine young man, who, from the remarks here, seems to have become a fine Christian man as his parents before him. My condolences for your loss and my prayers for your continued journey, comforted still with God’s presence.