David Patrick Willis

Obituary of David Patrick Willis

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David Patrick Willis was born on March 18th, 1958 to Ruby and Nathaniel Willis. He departed this life on Friday, September 12th at 4:55 a.m. in his home, in Santa Cruz, CA. Siblings Nathaniel and Jo Anne were with him when he peacefully transitioned.

David was born in Chicago, IL and attended Hyde Park High School. He lived in California since 1975, residing in various cities over the years, including San Francisco, San Jose, Watsonville, and in Santa Cruz for the past seventeen years.

David's early years in California included working at Yosemite National Park, an experience that made a lasting impression on him. He raved about it, and highly recommended that everyone should visit.

David was the consummate San Francisco 49ers fan! He loved dressing in 49er outfits, complete with cap and shoes. It was his trademark outfit.

David loved karaoke! He owned recordings of himself singing various songs, from live performances. He embraced this hobby enthusiastically, finding countless hours of joy in it. He would often say, "Ya feel me?" between beats.

He was very passionate about public TV, and mentioned KQED frequently in his Facebook posts. Yes – the Facebook posts! He spent a substantial amount of time and energy making his views known. He was also a big fan of Free Speech TV (FSTV).

David credited The Homeless Persons' Health Project here in Santa Cruz with helping him get on his feet, when he was unhoused. David shared a passion for helping the community, and frequently delivered supplies and essentials by driving around the local area.

While he was in the hospital a few days before passing, David proudly proclaimed that he had been clean and sober for twenty-seven years, and 9 months! He admirably portrayed great strength, perseverance and endurance.

David lived for many years with heart disease, and eventually succumbed to congestive heart failure.

He had great relationships with his medical providers, and they regarded him as a favorite patient.

David and his cardiologist, Dr. Sturzu, collaborated effectively for over seven years, greatly improving David's quality of life, particularly in his latter years.

David's spirit, humor, and kindness will always be remembered by those who knew him.

He is survived by two sons, David Jr. and Michael, and grandchildren Brianna and Julie Willis.

David will be dearly missed by his siblings Nathaniel (Vivian), Angela and Jo Anne Willis, his uncle Jerome Alexander, nephews Nathaniel Jr. and Ty Willis, Antoine Block, nieces Marquita and Shalita Willis, Sequeena Block and many other relatives and friends.

Relatives who preceded him in death include his brother Prince Willis, (2007), his mother Ruby Willis (2000), his father Nathaniel Willis, Sr., (1978), his grandmother Loverta Alexander (1970), and his great-grandmother Ruby Mitchell (1965).

We will celebrate David's life on Saturday September 20, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA, (831) 420-6177.

If you would like to donate in his memory, please contribute to the Homeless Persons' Health Project (HPHP), 115-A Coral St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (866) 731-HPHP (4747).

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