Larry Robert "Bob" Willis, 68, of Little Elm, Texas, formerly of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away May 15, 2013 at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, Texas from complications after a heart transplant in February. He was the son of the late George and Maude Stone Willis of Portsmouth. He is survived by his third wife, Elizabeth "Lilly" Hawkins of Little Elm, Texas. Also surviving are his daughters Margaret Willis Compton of Portsmouth and Elizabeth Willis Welch of Mt. Solon, Virginia, a stepson Samuel Hawkins of Australia, and grandchildren Cara Welch and Sarah Compton of Portsmouth, and Chad Welch of Sciotoville. Bob was preceded in death by three of his siblings, infant Georgia Willis and adult brothers Richard Neil Willis of Texas and Raymond Willis of Florida, as well as a number of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Surviving siblings are Virginia (Ralph) Miler Johnson of Upsala, Minnesota, Lloyd Willis of Sandusky, Ohio, Janet (Carter) Johnson of Wheelersburg, Ohio, Gary Willis and Sharon Blakely of Arizona, Sandra Rigsby of Wheelersburg, Ohio, and Michael (Kim) Willis of Illinois. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, their children and two special feline friends.
Bob had a varied career including time at William's Shoe factory, Portsmouth's original Rax Restaurant, and the Norfolk and Western railway. He held a Bachelor's degree from Ohio University and was a teacher of business law and computer classes for Lewisville Independent School District at the time of his death. He was also a veteran of the Air Force and Air Force Reserves, having attained the rank of Master Sergeant.
A Graveside Service will be held at DFW National Cemetery on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM. A Visitation will be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Frisco on Monday, May 20, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you become a designated organ donor, or make a donation to the organ donor organization, veteran's group or animal rescue shelter of your choice.