ROBERT "BOB" WILLIS

ROBERT "BOB" WILLIS

Robert L. "Bob" Willis passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness in Green Valley, AZ, on March 20, 2016 at the age of 92. He is survived by his beloved wife Arra Willis.

Bob was born to Ernest and Lulu Willis on May 23, 1923 in Morgantown, W Va. Bob grew up in nearby Fairmont where he made many lifelong friends and achieved the honor of Eagle Scout in 1940.

War broke out as he was attending Fairmont State College and Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army, ending up in the Corps of Engineers where he attained the rank of 1st. Lt. After the war ended, Bob served as acting Mayor of Nice and Cannes, France during its reconstruction.

Bob's career spanned 36 years with Owens Illinois as a sales representative in the glass container division. His various promotions took him to several different branch offices during that time: Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis and Rochester, NY.

After Bob retired, he and Arra moved to Green Valley in 1983. Bob quickly set out to chronicle his life because he had an extremely astute memory. He wrote a book, "From Zero to 60 In No Time" and it became a big hit with his entire family. Bob became one of the first presidents of his neighborhood HOA, and a life member of the local Elks club where he especially enjoyed his years as a greeter. He was also a member of the Green Valley Community Church. Bob and Arra were able to spend over 40 years traveling throughout the U.S. and the world and enjoyed all of their many adventures together. Bob also enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening and playing golf

He is survived by his wife Arra, his sons David Lee Willis (Marsha) and Jay Bradley Willis (Cynthia), as well as stepsons Jeffrey Sanberg (Debora), Scott Sanberg (Debra), Dean Sanberg (Kathy) and stepdaughter Jill Rodomsky (Alan). Bob deeply loved all 10 of his grandchildren as well as his 6 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his brother William, his eldest son Robert who died in 1968, and his first wife Josephine Dewitt who died in 1972. There will be a celebration of his life when his extended family all return to Green Valley in late May.