Richard Marvin Willis was born in Shellman, Georgia, on June 18, 1936, to Randy and Rebecca Willis. On February 14, 2017, he passed away at Providence Health Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina. He was one of 15 brothers and sisters and was predeceased by all. Richard was married to his lovely wife, Beatrice, for 52 years.  Born to this union was one daughter, Antoinnette Willis.

Richard attended public schools of Albany, Georgia.  He served more than four years in the U. S. Army, after which he was honorably discharged.  Richard was self-employed as a truck driver for RM Willis Trucking, retiring in 2008.  He was baptized at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church (Shellman, Georgia), where his father was a pastor.

Richard was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time in the mountains and having cookouts.  He especially enjoyed the naturally wooded surroundings at his home.  Richard was also a devoted lover of animals.  He always had several pets which he cared for so passionately, and they always returned the same devotion to him.   

To mourn Richard’s loss and cherish his memories are his loving wife, Beatrice; his beloved daughter Antoinnette; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters:  Johnson W. Dickey (Jim), Carlton W. Brown (Benjamin), Melanee W. Sawyer (Levi), Samuel Willis (Janet), Ann W. Lewis (Clarence), Bessie W. Brown (Brownie), Randy Willis (Lois), Mack Willis, Lucious Willis, Dorothy Humphrey (Clarence) Charlie Willis, Benny Lee Willis, Frank Willis, and Fannie Willis.