Robert Virgil (R.V.) Willis Jr. went to be with the Lord, at the age of 88, from his home in Lake Jackson, on Thursday, January 3, 2013. R.V. was born in Houston, TX, on December 17, 1924, to Lola Alice (Hastings) Willis and Robert Virgil Willis.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Provence and husband, Bobby, of Jones Creek, his daughter Marilyn DeFee of Harah, OK; son, Robert V. Willis III and wife, Terri of Angleton, son David Willis and wife Stacey, of Yukon, OK, and son Robert Toler of Sandia, TX; three sisters, Marie Willis of Richmond, Velma Stewart of Sugarland, Joyce Nigh of Hempstead; and his brother, John D. Willis of Colorado Springs, CO. He also has 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters Viola Abbot and Virgie Ramey.


R.V. grew up in Eagle Lake, Texas, where he attended Eagle Lake High School. He then moved to Freeport where he worked for the Freeport Sulphur Company. He entered the military in June of 1943, and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign during World War II as a Marine Engineman assigned to the 263rd Medical Battalion. He was a Coxswain of an L.C.M. (landing craft) used in transporting casualties to the medical services. He saw action in New Guinea during the Luzon Campaign, the liberation of the Philippines and was among the American forces in Japan following their surrender.


Following his discharge from the military, he returned to the Houston area where he worked in residential and commercial construction as a carpenter. He returned to Freeport and went to work in the Mag Cells for Dow Chemical in 1952, and retired in 1982, after more than thirty years of service.


Always a "do it yourselfer" and a "Jack of all trades", R.V. was a skilled mechanic, carpenter and woodworker. He always repaired his own vehicles as well as those of many family and friends. He undertook many remodel projects around the house and, as a woodworker, built several pieces of furniture as well. His hobby that brought him the greatest joy was electronics. Not only did he repair televisions and such but built several Ham Radios that he regularly used as he enjoyed communicating with and listening to others around the world.


R.V. enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a kind, gentle and generous man always willing to help others. He is loved and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.


As a family, we would like to recognize and express our love and appreciation to our sister, Kathleen Provence and her husband, Bobby, who made many personal sacrifices in their own lives to provide care for our father in the latter years of his life. Your efforts, your commitment and your sacrifice have not gone unnoticed nor unappreciated. We love you and thank you for all that you have done.


Services for R.V. will held at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel at 98 North Dixie Drive, Lake Jackson, TX. Viewing and visitation will be Sunday, January 6th, from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. and funeral service will be held on Monday, January 7 at 10:00 a.m. with burial at Restwood Cemetery immediately following.

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