Keith Alan Willis

About

Troy University U.S. Naval War College

Keith Willis Obituary

Keith Alan Willis SUFFOLK - U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Keith Alan Willis, 44, passed away Feb. 13, 2009, in Kittery, Maine. Cmdr. Keith Willis assumed command of USCGC TAHOMA (WMEC 908) home-ported in Kittery in May of 2007. Prior to USCGC TAHOMA, he served as the Coast Guard liaison at Commander, U.S. Second Fleet and the assistant Coast Guard liaison at U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Joint Forces Command from August 2004 through August 2006 in Suffolk. Cmdr. Willis was a 1989 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor of science in government. He then furthered his education and earned a master's degree in public administration from Troy State University in 2000 and a master's degree in national security policy from the U.S. Naval War College in 2004. He enlisted in the Coast Guard as a seaman apprentice in 1983. Keith is survived by his wife of 15 years, Carolyn Ann Willis; a daughter, Melissa Willis; a son, Matthew Willis; his parents, Erlene Tandy Willis and Harlon Clyde Willis; a sister, Karen S. Stowe and brother-in-law, Jeff Stowe. He also leaves behind numerous other devoted relatives and friends. Keith was a member of the Churchland Assembly of God where he served as royal ranger commander. He loved to play basketball and his favorite team was the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. He also enjoyed golf and was an amateur painter. A funeral to celebrate Keith's life will be held Monday at 1 p.m. in Churchland Assembly of God by Pastor Larry O'Brien. Burial will follow the service in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, with full military honors. The family will receive friends today from 3 to 5 p.m. in Loving Funeral Home, 3225 Academy Ave., Portsmouth. Memorial contributions in Keith's memory may be made to the Willis Children's Scholarship Fund set up by his Coast Guard Academy classmates with checks made payable to Class of 1989 Trust, c/o Charles Coiro, 3 Rainbow Court, Quaker Hill, CT 06375 or go to www.USCG89.org. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Feb. 21 to Feb. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Willis

6 Entries

Ron Wilkins

February 23, 2009

On behalf of your Coast Guard family at the Coast Guard Channel Community we send our condolences to the family of Commander Willis, his friends and shipmates aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma.

Rest in peace Commander and thank you for your service.

Ken & Barbara Cobb

February 23, 2009

Karen, Jeff & family,
Our prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
In Christian love,
Rev. Ken & Barbara Cobb
Cape Hatteras Baptist Church

The Sanders Family

February 23, 2009

Our prayers are with his wife and children as they go through this difficult time. Keith was a quiet and humble man. We will miss him, but we know that he is in Heaven and will be forever in peace.

Sally (Williams) Wright

February 21, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May God Bless each and everyone of the family members. Keith was a true friend to all of his class mates. He will truely be missed by all of us " Freebirds" Class of 82.

Jack Willis

February 21, 2009

Our sincere condolences goes out to this family. Jack & Kay Willis, Frisco, NC.

Jasper Williams,Jr

February 21, 2009

I have known Commander Willis since young strapping barefoot Hatteras Islander. As a Deputy Sheriff(Now retired) and fellow Hatterasman I watched him grow up to be the definition of Mr COASTGUARD. Most of us came from Coast Guard families. It was instilled in us by our parents like Mr and Mrs Willis to be good Americans and to serve our country in whatever way we could. Commander Willis stood true to his heritage and his calling both to GOD and country. My wife and family regret your loss and you are forever in our prayers.
God Bless
Lt. Co E. Jasper Williams,Jr Retired Dare County Sheriff's Office

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results