NEWPORT NEWS - Robert "Bobby" Louis Willis, 67, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2016. He was a native of Havre de Grace, MD, and a resident of Hampton and Newport News for most of his life. Following graduation from Kecoughtan High School in 1966, Bobby was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company. In 1967 he enrolled in the Apprentice School as an electrician and was in the Pi Phi Pi Sigma Phi fraternity. He served in multiple areas during his career at the shipyard and retired in December, 2014, as a Vendor Software Approval Analyst for the Virginia Class Submarine Engineering Material section. Survivors are his special longtime friend, Helene Flick, Newport News; mother, Lillian Willis, Hampton; nephew, John Willis, Norfolk; niece, Kathy Willis, Toano; former wife, Mary Staton; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 4, 1:00 p.m., at Bethel Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1647 Briarfield Road, Hampton. Arrangements are in the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.
Published in Daily Press on June 3, 2016
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Bonnie Bridger (Mittelmaier) (1969)
What a terrible surprise it was to hear that my dear friend, Bobby Willis, had passed away, quite unexpectedly. I had just had a conversation with him, prior to his passing. Bobby had not been retired long and was enjoying life and travel with his beloved girl, Helene. I have many shared, fun, memories of summers that involved riding in Bobby's Renault and dancing at Tucker Capps, Buckroe, Willis, etc. He was just a great guy and he continued to be part of our world, lot's of get togethers. Operation Smile, Christmas Eve parties, Valentine's Parties, etc. Seems he was just always part of my young and then older life. I know his cousin Donnie Willis '69 will miss him as well. Guess he is up in Heaven having a large time with Kenny, Bowdie, Kasper, Teresa, and all of the rest. Till we meet again, love to you Bobby!