Richard “Percy” E. Willis, 85, of Marshall, MO, died Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at his home.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall. For those interested, a celebration of life gathering will be held immediately following at Stone Hedge Golf Club in Marshall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church or Saline Animal League in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com.
Born April 13, 1938, in Miami, MO, Percy was the son of the late Earl Willis and Mildred Stoner Willis. He lived in Saline County his entire life and was a graduate of Marshall High School. On January 7, 1961, he married Eleanor Barr, who survives of the home. After brief jobs at Horman’s Meats and NeHi Bottling Co., he began the career he seemed born to do, that as a sales rep for A. Reich & Sons of Kansas City. After leaving A. Reich, he joined Graves Menu Maker Foods of Chillicothe and continued to work there until retirement. Even in retirement, his loyal customers continued to place orders and he continued to work until his last days. While the industry started working remotely, he insisted on driving his route daily and meeting with his customers face to face. His commitment to customer service was what separated him from others in the industry.
Percy was an avid bowler. He had two perfect 300 games in his over 50 years of bowling. He sponsored and organized many groups for tournaments in Springfield and the annual USBC Open Championship in locations such as Reno and Las Vegas. Percy also liked to hunt and fish. He was a great father, husband and friend. And most importantly, he was a great person.
Besides his wife of 62 years, he is survived by two sons, Gregg Willis (Stacey) of Lantana, TX and Tony Willis (Renea) of Marshall; one sister, Lynda Sullivan (Mike); and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Percy was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Ed, and Bob Willis; and one sister, Shirley Hibbard.