Robert D. WillisJanuary 11, 1952 – February 17, 2016
Robert D. Willis, age 64, passed away on February 17, 2016. Born in San Jose and raised in Stockton, he was the oldest of six children. At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Vietnam. He was a member of the 17th Air Cavalry Squadron, 101st Airborne Division, and served as a Huey Aircraft Crew Chief and Door Gunner. He was awarded a National Defense Service Metal, a Vietnam Service Medal, an Aircraft Crewman Badge, an Air Medal with “V” Device, 1 O/S Bars, a Bronze Star Medal, and an Expert Rifle M-16 status. Bob worked as a firefighter in Yosemite, in inventory and shipping at Sharpe Army Depot and as manager for Chief Auto Parts. He was a past Commander, member of the Honor Guard and member of the American Legion Karl Ross Post #16. He was also member of the Central Valley Vietnam Veterans. Bob enjoyed keeping current on politics, reading history, traveling, and spending time at Karl Ross Post #16. He is survived by his wife, Sharman and canine buddy Roquefort, son Willie (Joy), daughter Shana (Jason), grandchildren Jillian and Willie, father George, brothers John (Lisa), Raymond (Teresa), Marty (Renee), Harold (Sandy), sister Mary (Jeff), numerous nephews and nieces and many brothers and sisters of Karl Ross Post #16. He was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl and mother Barbara. Bob was a fun loving, caring, devoted, generous and loyal man, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
SERVICES
A service will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, in Dixon, on March 25 at 1 pm followed by aCelebration of Life at 3 pm at the American Legion Karl Ross Post #16, 2020 Plymouth Rd., Stockton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Karl Ross Post #16.