Robert Harold Willis

WILLIS, Robert Harold a prominent local attorney who practiced law in downtown St. Petersburg for 56 years, died Thursday, Jan. 24, at St. Anthony's Hospital. His wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Miner Willis, and his daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" Willis, and his son, Robert "Bob" Willis Jr., were at his bedside the last days of his life. Robert H. Willis was born in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, and his parents and returned to St. Petersburg shortly after his birth. His sister, Clarice, followed. His father, Harold "Harry" Willis, was Vice President for Webb City, and several members of Robert's family were on the board of directors. When he was a student, he sometimes worked with his father at Webb City. Robert attended Lakeview and Euclid Elementary School and Mirror Lake Junior High and was graduated from St. Petersburg High School, in the class of 1946. In 1946, he entered the University of Florida and obtained his degree in Business Administration in 1950 and his Juris Doctorate one year later, in 1951. He held numerous offices in Sigma Chi and Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity and served as Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious University of Florida Law Review. In 1950s he was president of the Young Democrats for the State of Florida. After law school, he entered into a clerkship with Judge William Julius Barker, who was the only federal judge in Tampa and the chief judge for the Southern District of Florida. In 1953, Robert began working with attorney Byron Skelton in the First Federal Building. Together they built a strong general practice with a solid reputation. The firm later moved to its current location at 259 Third Street North, where they became partners with James "Pepper" Bennett and Martin Rice. Today, Robert's son, Bob Jr., and Peter Wallace are partners in the practice. During his long practice, Robert was very active in the St. Petersburg Bar, holding several positions and serving as its president in 1972. Elected 1975 to 1981, Robert was also a member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors at an important time in its history. The Supreme Court legalized bar advertising in Bates v. State Bar of Arizona, and Robert helped lead the Florida Bar of Governors as they regulated advertising which the Supreme Court had allowed under the First Amendment. For almost 25 years, Robert served upon or chaired the Scholarship & Awards Committee of the Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section. In recognition of his expertise and service, he was made a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Robert and his wife, "Betty" Willis, celebrated their 51st year of marriage last March. They have continued to live in the house they built, as newlyweds, in the Lakewood area of St. Petersburg. Robert was a Scoutmaster, and he and his wife have been longstanding supporters of numerous charities, including the Boy Scouts of America as well as All Children's Hospital. They have also been members of the First Baptist Church, where they were married. Robert was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg, the Nitram Lodge No. 188, F. & A.M., St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Lakewood Country Club, and The Dragon Club. He served on the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurses Association and on the Board of Directors for the Pinellas County TB & Respiratory Disease Council. Robert is survived by his wife; his daughter, Dr. Elizabeth "Betsy" Willis, of Auburn, AL; his son, Bob Willis Jr.; and his 4 beloved grandchildren, Jackson and Walker Willis, Elizabeth, and Emmalee Jordan. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Sally Stovall Willis, and a son-in-law, Scott Jordan; as well as 31 cousins, numerous nieces and nephews. Robert enjoyed spending time with his family and providing words of encouragement and wisdom to his grandchildren. He also enjoyed the company of many dear and lifetime friends. Fishing, family travel and reading were his hobbies. The Memorial Service for Robert Willis will be held at the First Baptist Church on Gandy Blvd. 4 pm, on Tuesday, Jan. 29. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that friends make donations to the West Central Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 11046 Johnson Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772-4715, or to the charity of their choice.