Gary Lee Willis

By: 
Dawalt Funeral Home

First Sergeant, Gary Willis, Retired US Army, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family in Louisville, Ky on June 27, 2022.Gary was born on September 25, 1963, in Kokomo, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald E. and Mary W. (Brewer) Willis, and sister Sue Ann Rickman.

Gary enlisted in the US Army in 1983 at the age of 19, after graduating Lewis Cass high school in Walton, Indiana. During his active service, Gary was stationed in various locations with both domestic and overseas assignments. He earned many awards, medals, and commendations, including but not limited to: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge and the US Army Gold Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphire Achievement Stars.

Gary retired from the US Army in 2003. At that time, he worked at Chicago MEPS as a recruiter. After retiring from the service, he was the manager of several retail stores including CVS and Pamida. Most recently he worked at SAS Retail Services. Gary was always the life of the party and grew a large community of friends after moving to Scottsburg in 2010. He was passionate about many hobbies and interests. Gary loved the Cincinnati Bengals and was no fair-weather fan, cheering and watching every game. He was an avid Nascar fan and Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver. Gary loved all genres of music, especially AC/DC. He traveled to many, many concerts with his wife Ronda, and they spent most evenings singing along to playlists he created. He enjoyed collecting souvenirs and decorated his bar room from floor to ceiling with Bengals, Earnhardt, and AC/DC memorabilia. Gary also liked fishing, golfing, and league bowling in Scottsburg with "Gary's Girls" and "Richey's Boys.”

On June 1, 2013 he married Ronda L. (Naugle) Willis, who survives. Also surviving are: Daughter: Jennifer Alexis Willis of Mitchell; Son: Jacob Anthony Willis of Mitchell; Stepdaughter: Robin Dixon of Sellersburg; Brother: Ronald "Pete" (Judy) Willis of Walker, Louisiana; Sister: Lisa (Dave) Calvert of Plainfield, Indiana; Granddaughter, Gabriella Renee Wolcott of Mitchell; Step-grandson, Nicholas Serpa of Louisville; Brother-in-law: Woody (Amy) Naugle of Salem; and 2 nephews.

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon Saturday at Dawalt Funeral Home with interment following the funeral in Franklin Cemetery with full military honors.

Visitation: 4 to 8 pm Friday and 9 am until the time of the service on Saturday.

 

Memorial Contributions to:

American Cancer Society

C/O Jeanette Nolan

945 North Rush Creek Road

Salem, Indiana 47167

www.cancer.org

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