John G. Willis Jr.

John Gerald Willis, Jr. of Dover, age 78, went home to be with our Savior, Jesus Christ, on
Wednesday, November 6th, 2024. He suffered a sudden heart-health episode while
vacationing with family in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jackie, as his family called him, was born September 6, 1946, in Dover, DE to the late John G
Willis, Sr (Jack) and Mary Carey Willis of Dover. He was the only boy in a houseful of girls
and most definitely the "favorite child". Jackie was always quiet and calm with a peaceful
smile on his face and an easy laugh. Of course, we still don't know if his quietness was a
hereditary trait that he got from his dad - or - with four sisters in the house, maybe he just
couldn't get a word in edgewise.
Jackie graduated from Dover High School in 1964 and was interested in machines. He went
to work for Joe Jenkins Crop Dusting and Repair in Wyoming, DE, where he learned to work
on airplane engines and Joe taught him how to pilot a Piper Cub airplane.
As the Vietnam War escalated, Uncle Sam called on Jackie. When they found out he was a
trained pilot, they decided to send our quiet kid from Dover to Ft Rucker, Alabama where he
was commissioned an Army Warrant Officer and taught him how to fly a Bell Iroquois
Helicopter "The Huey". Jackie did two combat tours in Vietnam where he flew personnel and
medi-vac missions, transporting injured soldiers to safety. We can't help but think that God
used Jackie's calm demeanor to help keep all those soldiers safe in his Huey while serving.
His time in service to this country, which Jackie loved dearly, came with an unexpected
bonus. While stationed at Ft Rucker, Jackie met the love of his life at a diner, his wife of 33
years, Margaret. She and Jackie were inseparable and raised four boys during their life
together before she passed in January, 2000.
After the war, Jackie brought Margaret home to Delaware for a while, where he worked for
George & Lynch Construction, helping to build the Route 90 Ocean City Expressway Bridge.
The family moved back to Alabama while their boys were growing up and then to
Cockeysville, MD where Jackie worked for Travelers Insurance as a Sr. Data Information
Specialist for 38 years until he retired in 2017.
Then, Jackie's life came full-circle as he moved back home to Dover in July 2017 where he
fully enjoyed retirement by watching the Alabama Crimson Tide "Roll Tide Roll" and the
Baltimore Ravens football teams. He loved riding his motorcycle and took many day trips just
to see the countryside. He returned to Alabama for many special occasions. Jackie enjoyed
watching movies, game shows on TV, dinner at Cool Springs, and spending time with his
family. He also enjoyed his monthly breakfast gatherings with his former colleagues at
Travelers Insurance in Baltimore.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret; and three sons:
Garry Bowden, Davie HC Bowden and infant son, Christopher Michael Willis.
Jackie is survived by a multitude of family who will miss his gentle laugh and easy smile. He
leaves behind two sons: Johnny Lamar Willis (Dawn) of Jonesboro, AR and Bobby Ray Willis of
Albuquerque, NM and daughter-in-law, Linda Bowden (widow of Davie ) of VA. He leaves
behind four sisters: Frances Deats (Ralph) of Dover; Mary Ann Dashiell (Bob) of Camden;
Janet Hart (widow of Gene) of Dover; and Suzanne Morris (Pete) of Hartly. Jackie was also
blessed with 12 grandchildren : Elizabeth, Joni, Erin, Christopher, Maggie, Angela, Davie Jr,
Rebecca, Stephanie, Brandy, Margaret and Shane; and many great-grandchildren, nieces,
nephews and cousins.
Services will be held at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd, (Rt 10), Dover DE on
Saturday, November 23, 2024. Visitation will be held at 11am, service at 12 noon, burial at
Sharon Hill Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to American Heart
Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231 or charity of your choice.