Ralph Willis, Jr., 71, of Tifton passed away Friday, February 17, 2017, at Tift Regional Medical Center. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2017, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with Dr. Wayne Roe officiating. Mr. Willis will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, February 20, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Crow Green, Glenn Dillard, Steve Dillard, Sid Johnson, David Willis and Jason Willis will serve as pallbearers.
Born February 12, 1946 in Tifton, Mr. Willis was the son of the late Ralph Willis, Sr. and Margaret Denham Willis. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Randall Willis. For most of his life, Ralph was a wood craftsman by trade and, later, also built and remodeled homes. He enjoyed grilling for family and friends and was of the Baptist faith. He had lived in Tifton all of his life.
Mr. Willis is survived by his two sons and their families, Dr. Glen Willis and wife, Kim of Fort Mill, South Carolina and children, Grant and Lauren Willis and Jessica Bolling; and Greg Willis and wife, Helen of Tifton and their children, Zachery Willis and Kaitlynn Willis; one sister, Dianne Willis Phillips of Tifton; a sister-in-law, Phyllis O'Kelly Willis of Albany, wife of the late Randall Willis; and many nieces and nephews and close personal friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: The Jimmy V Cancer Research Foundation, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513 or at www.jimmyv.org.