Bobby Gene Willis

Bobby Gene Willis, age 81, a faithful servant, has died after his hard fought battle with Alzheimer's on February 2nd, 2026. Bobby was born at home in the community of Pea Ridge to Joe Murrel and Virginia Hardy Willis on a cold and snowy December 27, 1944. He grew up enjoying the simple country life surrounded by his loving family. The days of his youth were filled with one-room schools, a warm home, and countless adventures with his siblings and cousins. At the end of his high school education, he was drafted into the Vietnam War. Bobby served his country and its people in the U.S. Army. He would sometimes tell stories of the beautiful Vietnamese countryside and the kindness of the people he would meet while overseas. He would often befriend the local people and buy fresh fruits and vegetables from them, as he thought about his own farming family back home. After his service to his country, he returned home and completed a business degree from Eastern Kentucky University - the first person among his family to achieve this accomplishment. During this time, he started dating and married the girl down the road, Mary Ann Arvin. She and Bobby were married 55 years. They would have two sons whom they love dearly. Bobby took pride in serving his community as a social worker for the Commonwealth and was honored to be the protector of countless abused and neglected souls for 27 years. After retirement, he worked a few different jobs because he enjoyed a good day's work among the people in his community. His family grew with the addition of five beloved grandsons. Bobby's family and friends would multiply tenfold as he served the Lord at Rice Station Christian Church (RSCC). An avid scholar of The Word, he enjoyed teaching Sunday School, worship services, and leading The Church. He served the people of RSCC as a deacon and elder and took the job very seriously. In his spare time, Bobby enjoyed reading, gardening, woodworking, raising animals, piddling, and staying in his cabin, but sharing stories and serving his family were his favorite pastimes. Home was his favorite place to be, and he enjoyed being surrounded by nature's wonder and beauty.

He is survived by:

Wife: Mary Ann Willis

2 sons: Stephen Ray (Serena) - Estill Co.

Bobby Wayne (Jill) - Estill Co.

2 sisters: Lillia Mae Neal - Hamilton, OH

Linda Hall - Winchester

7 grandchildren: Cole Willis, Mason Willis, Bryce Willis, Maxwell Willis, Cooper Willis, Piper Beard, and Ivy Beard.

Stubby, his cat, who was sometimes his only friend.

Countless nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Donald Willis and Joe Willis Jr.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 7th, 11:00 AM at the Rice Station Christian Church with Bro. Kirt Scott officiating. Burial will be at the West Irvine Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Church.

Pallbearers: Cole Willis, Mason Willis, Bryce Willis, Maxwell Willis, Cooper Willis, and Jason Davis

Honorary Pallbearers: The RSCC Leadership, Steve Young, and Jesse Willis.