Joe Ray Willis

Joe Ray Willis, age 79, of Bear Creek Road in Bakersville died Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at his home.Born on May 8, 1938 in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Rev. Jeff and Lena Bartlett Willis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Willis. He was also preceded in death by his brothers; Lewis and Earl Willis.Joe Ray was a member and deacon at the Bear Creek Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the honor guard. He loved the Lord and his church and church family. He also was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather that loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Nancy P. Willis of the home; his sons; Jeff Willis and fiancée, Cheryl of Spruce Pine and Patrick Willis and wife, Shannon of Greensboro; his daughter; Carol McKinney and husband, Ronald of Bakersville; his grandchildren; Steven Ray Hughes and wife, Leslie, Daniel Hughes, Chloe Willis, and Benjamin Willis; his great grandchildren; Grayson Hughes, Brailee Hughes, and Payton Ray; his brother; James Willis and wife, Jean of Bakersville; his sisters; Sena Mae Gouge and husband, Everett of Bakersville; Kate Murdock of Hendersonville; and Margaret Wilson and husband, Roger of Bakersville and several nieces and nephews.The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence at the funeral service honoring the life of Joe Ray Willis on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 2:30 pm at the Bear Creek Baptist Church with the Rev’s. Chris Rathbone, Brandon Pitman, Andy Willis, and Bruce Cannon officiating. A time to support the family, share memories and receive friends will be on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 1:00 pm until the service hour at the church. Interment will be in the Bear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.The family would like to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge for their wonderful care of Joe Ray.In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge.Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to our website; www.webbfh.com., selecting Joe Ray Willis name and then you may sign his guestbook. Webb Funeral Home of Spruce Pine is honored to be assisting the Willis family. Mr. Willis obituary has also been posted on Facebook for viewing.Read Obituary