Ruffin Pelham Willis, III's Obituary
Services for Ruffin Pelham "R.P." Willis III, 82, of Longview will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at Winterfield United Methodist Church, the Reverend Michael Lindstrom officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
Pallbearers will be Frank Bland, Troyce Dennis, Marshall Mitchell, Bob Oldom, Bob Riley, Mike Satterwhite, Joe Van Smitherman, Joe Thompson, and Bobby Welch.
Mr. Willis was born Aug. 7, 1921, in Atlanta, Texas, to Ruffin Pelham Willis Jr. and Ora Lee Shelton Willis. He was the oldest son of four children. Mr. Willis was called to his eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday Nov. 6, 2003.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Charlcie Hayden Willis. He is also survived by his son, Ruffin Pelham Willis IV, and wife, Carolyn, of Lafayette, LA; his daughter, Pamela Willis Holleman, and husband, Clifton, of Midland, TX; his grandchildren, Jason Kaliszeski and wife Becky of New Orleans, LA; Kristen Willis McDonald, Blake Willis and Kari Leigh Willis of Lafayette, LA; Kimberly Holleman of Fort Worth, TX; his great grandchildren, Nicholas McDonald of Lafayette, LA, and Katie and Jacob Kaliszeski of New Orleans, LA; brother, R.R. Willis and wife, Sarah, of Norman, OK; brother-in-law, Tom Robbins; and sister-in-law, Marie Willis.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Gay Willis; both of his parents, R.P. Willis and Ora Lee; his sister, Martha Robbins; and brother, James C. Willis.
Mr. Willis spent most of his youth in East Texas. During World War II, he served our country from 1942 through 1945 as a U.S. Marine in the 4th Marine Division, Company A, in Kwajalein Atoll, Saipan Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Upon his return, he was employed by Phillips Petroleum Company and retired after 35 years of service.
He married Charlcie Ada Hayden on June 4, 1947. They spent several years in South Louisiana and South Texas prior to a 3-year tenure in Stavanger, Norway, and a 7-year tenure in Gt. Yarmouth, England. Prior to retirement, Mr. Willis worked for three and a half years in Abajan, Ivory Coast. Mr. and Mrs. Willis moved to Longview in 1981.
Mr. Willis faithfully attended Winterfield United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Winmore Sunday School Class. He served on various committees and was recently named an honorary lifetime member of the Administrative Board. He was an avid supporter of the choir, directed by Virginia Pevey.
The family would like to extend its love and gratitude to the members of Winterfield United Methodist Church for their prayers, support and friendship. To Hospice of Longview and the Longview Cancer Center, we thank you for providing competent, compassionate care.
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