Richard Payne Willis
Richard Payne Willis
Obituary
Guest Book
Richard Willis Obituary
Richard Payne Willis, 78 of Grantsboro passed away September 10, 2025. He was born on October 1, 1946, in Morehead City, to the late Ned and Estelle Willis.
A veteran of the United States Army, Richard served his country with honor and was proud of his service before being honorably discharged.
He is survived by his first wife and mother of his children, Betty Jean Willis; and his loving wife, Mary Edwards Willis. He was a proud father to his daughter, Lisa M. Holloman (Willis) and her husband, Robin J. Holloman; and to his son, Richard Payne Willis Jr. Richard was also blessed with grandsons, Dereck J.H. Lee and Shawn T. Wilson; as well as great-grandchildren, Shawn Tray Jr., Karter Lee, Lillian Rose, and Sariah Rose. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Jessica Pender Sutton, her husband, Jeffrey S. Sutton, and their daughter, Shelby Grace.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1423 South Glenburnie Road, Suite A, New Bern, NC 28562.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
52 Bryant St PO Box 99 (Alliance), Grantsboro, NC 28529
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Willis
Tell your own story about Richard
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Richard Willis's name
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Willis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
