MR. ROY BEN WILLIS, age 75, of Eastman, GA, died Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Shamrock Nursing Home in Dublin, GA.
MR. ROY BEN WILLIS, age 75, of Eastman, GA, died Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Shamrock Nursing Home in Dublin, GA.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, May 1, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Al Daniell and Rev. Billy Flowers officiating, with interment in Sweet Home Baptist Church Cemetery.
Roy was born in McRae, a faithful member of Sweet Home Baptist Church, a graduate of Dodge County High School, and received a certificate in automotive mechanics from Heart of Georgia Technical College. In 1966 he was drafted and later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp, where he bravely and proudly served until 1971. He was a highly proficient and extremely skilled sniper and received a Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam. After his military service, he worked for Roydenwear for several years. He also worked as an automotive mechanic at a local car dealership before going to work at Robins Air Force Base in 1982 where he worked until his retirement after 34 years of diligent service. He was an avid knife collector and was creative in rope designs. He also enjoyed traveling with his family, especially on trips to the mountains, and loved Ford trucks. He was the son of the late Lula Bell McCranie Willis and Joseph Roy “Buddy” Willis, widower of LaJoy Willis, and was preceded in death by his Son, Lance Willis, Grandson, Joseph Willis, and 2 Brothers-in-law, Dewayne Sheffield and Grady Harrell.
He is survived by his Son – John Willis (Lisa) of Byron; Daughter-in-law – Katie Barrett (Josh); 6 Grandchildren – Joshua Willis, Christina Mullis (Bo), Kalob Willis (Lizzy), C.J. Barrett, Leigha Barrett, and Harper Rae Barrett; 4 Great-Grandchildren – Kinley Willis, Jaxson Dawson, Emmersyn Mullis, and John Kalob “Eazy” Willis, Jr.; 2 Sisters – Emma Lee Harrell of Macon and Anna Jo Dobson (Richard) of Gray; Mother-in-law – Javine Sheffield of Eastman; Sister-in-law – Linda Sheffield of Eastman; 2 Brothers-in-law – Tommy Sheffield (Alma) of Montrose and Donald Sheffield (Jane) of Eastman; Several Nieces and Nephews.
The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00AM-11:00AM Saturday, May 1. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to Sweet Home Baptist Church, 353 Sweet Home Church Rd, Milan, GA 31060.
Locally owned and operated, Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, has been "A Tradition of Trust" to Eastman, Dodge County and Middle Georgia for over 65 years.