of Little Rock, AR
October 5, 1934 - June 27, 2024
William A. (Lonnie) Willis, 89, of Little Rock, AR passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024. He was born in Hosston, LA on October 5, 1934. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Drew Willis; daughter, Kim Willis Keen and son-in-law, Randy Keen; son, William Scott Willis and daughter-in-law, Vickie Willis and their children, Andrew Willis and Amy Beth Willis; grandchildren, Jackson Willis, Cate Willis and Graham Willis and their mother, Margaret Willis and two great-granddaughters, Rosalie and Lucy Willis. He was preceded in death by son, Jeffrey Alan Willis; daughter, Stacy Willis and parents, Orvis C. Willis and Ruby Lee Tyson Willis.
Lonnie spent his formative years in Shreveport, Louisiana graduating from C.E. Byrd High School in 1952 and Centenary College in 1956 with a degree in business and economics. While at Centenary, he participated in the basketball and track programs. Upon graduation he received his commission as a second lieutenant and served in the U.S. Army as an armored officer rising to the rank of captain. His favorite assignment was that of company commander of a tank unit.
Upon leaving the service, he enjoyed a 34-year career with Prudential Insurance Company, first as an agent and ending his career as Managing Director in Arkansas and North Louisiana. He earned his professional designation as Financial Service Planner and received special recognition from his peers in both Shreveport and Little Rock, who elected him as president of multiple organizations for life underwriters, agents and financial service professionals. He was a life member of the industry's National Management Award. After retiring from Prudential in 1992, he served 8 years as Executive Director of the Union Rescue Mission and Dorcas House in Little Rock.
Mr. Willis served as Chairman of the Board of Guidestone Agency Services of the Southern Baptist Convention, where he supported the work of ministers and churches. He was also a member of the Board of the Women's Missionary Union Foundation, where he supported mission work throughout the world. As a member of Gideons International, he contributed to the placement of Bibles in hotels and other locations.
As a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock, he served many years as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member and soloist and on numerous committees.
Beyond his professional achievements, he believed that nothing surpasses one's dedication to family and church. He hoped that the example he set for his wife and children will be magnified in the life of each grandchild.
''Well, done, thou good and faithful servant.'' Matthew 25:21
A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church (Little Rock) on July 8, 2024 at 11:00 followed by a private family burial. The family would like to express gratitude to Elder Independence Home Care for their love and care of our loved one.
Memorial donations can be made to Dorcas House,3001 Springer Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72206 (https://urmissionlr.org/dorcas-house/)
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15 Condolence(s)
Leigh-Anne Russell
Thursday, July 11, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Willis’s passing. Mother & I will keep the family in our prayers.
Susan Jones Boe
Monday, July 8, 2024
The family of Ruth and Bill Jones are so sorry to hear of Mr Willis' passing. Our families were neighbors for decades. We are holding you tight in our hearts and hope his memory will be a comforting blessing.
Jim Larmoyeux
Thursday, July 4, 2024
I worked as an agent/manager with Lonnie from 1985 - 1995, and shared a lot of common ground with him. As a native of Shreveport, we talked about Byrd High School, the Army (my dad was a WWII Combat Officer), our faith, and many other things well outside of the insurance industry. Lonnie was a great example of leadership that was under-girded by his Christian steadfastness.
Mary and I plan to attend the memorial service, but I wanted to let Drew know how much I respected Lonnie.
Regards,
Jim
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Wesley Cox
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
I have known Lonnie all my life. Drew is a cousin to my father. Dad and Mom are waiting in heaven for him I know. And he will probably be giving my mother a jokingly hard time. I always enjoyed my time with him. Funny stories and excellent advice. God Bless the Willis family and grant them peace during this time.
Linda Faulkner
Monday, July 1, 2024
My mother, Edna Duke, was so very fond of Lonnie and Drew. I know she’ll be standing to greet him in heaven. May God’s peace be with you now and always.
Harry Solomon
Monday, July 1, 2024
I knew Lonnie for years. We went to church together at Trinity Heights Baptist and played ball together for the church in the 50’s. He sold me my first ins policy in the 60's. I knew his wife, Drew, very well. I have passed on info to several friends of mine who knew him. We from time to time talk about him. Thoughts and prayers to Drew and family.
Rev. Bob Parsley
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Lonnie made a huge difference in the lives of countless numbers of people. Every thing he touched was made better. He was fiercely devoted to his family, friends, and faith. Lonnie put his Christian convictions into daily practice with wholehearted efforts. He is an unforgettable personality who will live in the memories of anyone blessed to know him. My deepest condolences and prayers to his family.
David Melton
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Lonnie was a great teacher for our Sunday school class for several years. He had so many good lessons that he shared with our class. Before church, I always enjoyed talking with him about his family of which he was very proud of. We have always thought very highly of Lonnie and Drew. Prayers for family.
Kathlene Croft
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Drew and family, our love and prayers are with you. Praying for God’s peace which passall understanding. Love, Kathlene, Martha & Jennifer Croft, Brenda and Fene Dorman
Janet Williams
Saturday, June 29, 2024
A life well-lived! So grateful for Lonnie and Drew and treasure many memories
at Calvary, plus being with them on the ABSC mission trip to Switzerland!
Charlotte George-Moore
Saturday, June 29, 2024
To the entire Willis family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Willis. I remember Mr. Willis & his family from the years he worked at Prudential, after Mr. Tinson's retirement. I have fond memories of the yearly Prudential Office picnic gatherings at Burns Park. My mother (Faye George) was Office Manager, and worked with Mr. Willis at the Prudential offices on Capitol Ave, in the Union Bank, and West LR location. Sincere condolences, and praying God will give you all you need in the days ahead.
John and June Haynie
Saturday, June 29, 2024
So sorry Drew and family. He was a really good guy and great leader at Calvary. I know you miss him
Deborah Broen
Saturday, June 29, 2024
My prayers and thoughts are with Drew and the entire Willis family.
Lonnie was so important to your family, community and Calvary Baptist church. We will miss him.
Debbie and Llewellyn Brown
Carol Heavin
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I always enjoyed singing in the choir with you and always loved to hear you sing. I know you are singing with the glorious choir of Heaven and look forward to singing with you again!
Linda George-Kam
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Willis’ passing. My mother worked with him at Prudential for many years as his office manager. She was actually working there when he first came to the office . I remember his jokes, the office parties, & the stories that he would tell of his family vacations. When my mother (Faye George) passed away he called us and asked me if we would ask the funeral home to let him go view prior to the visitation because he was going to be out of town and wouldn’t be able to attend the service. I remember his sweet wife and daughter Stacy. May God comfort all of his family during this time of grief.