Robert Willis

Robert Michael Willis, age 65, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at his home in Raleigh. Mike was born on Feb. 5, 1948 in a snowstorm. Elizabethtown had no hospitals; mothers had their babies at home or went to Lumberton or Fayetteville.
Dr. Bennett wanted Mother Evelyn to go to Lumberton during the storm in case the roads got worse later and he wanted her in the car with him in case Mike decided to enter this world on the highway. Father Harold followed in his car. They made it safely to Lumberton. Tuesday night, when Mike returned to Heaven all of Eastern NC received snow.
He was a Boy Scout and an avid water skier. He was in the top of his graduating class at Elizabethtown High School. Mike was a Navy veteran and served as a radar operator. He was always known for his big heart with his caring and giving. He could light up a room with his humor and wit. He was a creative soul who loved art and music.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Lee Willis, Jr. and Evelyn Byrd Willis.

Mike is survived by two brothers, Steve Willis and wife Nancy of Elizabethtown and Dick Willis and wife Nancy of Charlotte; Cousins, John Davenport and wife Alice, Bonnie Haskins, Anne Robert and husband Skip and Martha Weiser and husband Don; niece and nephew, John and Anna Willis.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 31, 2014 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm at Steve and Nancy Willis home at 407 Woodland Drive, Elizabethtown. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown with Rev. Jay Winston officiating. Burial will follow at Old Trinity Methodist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 106 S. Marvin Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337