Raymond Joseph Willis Jr's Obituary
Raymond J. Willis Jr.
Lakeland, FL
Raymond Joseph (RJ) Willis was born on August 27, 1929 in Dayton, OH, the only child of Raymond Joseph and Lula Nanette (Bierbower) Willis. He passed away on November 29, 2018 in Lakeland, FL after a brief illness.
In addition to his parents, Ray was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Jane Audrey (Freiheit) Willis in 2009, his father- and mother-in-law Howard F and Martha L (Maefs) Freiheit, and his brother-in-laws Oliver W Smith and James C Rawlinson.
Ray is survived by his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Kathy J & Donald G Kiekel of Binghamton, NY as well as by his sister-in-law, June L Rawlinson of LaGrange, GA and his niece, Kimberly L Smith of Long Beach, WA. Also surviving is Ray’s wonderful companion for the past 8 years, Joan Greenwald of Lakeland, FL.
While living in Amherst, Vestal and Williamsville, NY and Sturbridge, MA, Ray was an outstanding salesman for Gulf Oil before retiring and moving to Florida. During his lifetime, he enjoyed golfing, water skiing, and spending summers on Lake George in the Adirondack mountains. Ray was a member of the Lions Club in Lakeland, FL. He served in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War. Throughout his 89 years, Ray retained his gift of gab and his utter joy of life. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
The family extends its sincerest thanks to the staff from The Manor -- the Estates at Carpenters in Lakeland, FL, for providing the highest quality of nursing home care to Ray during the last 3 months of his life.
At Ray’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. If desired, a charitable contribution may be made to any local chapter of the Lions Club or to Every Dogs Dream Rescue 420 Harry L Drive #2 in Johnson City, NY 13790.
“I’ve lived a life that’s full. I traveled each and every highway. And more, much more than this, I did it MY WAY.” I love you Daddy.
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