Ronald Walter Willis

Ronald Walter Willis 68, was born September 16, 1955 to the late Dr. James Willis and Julia B. Willis. He entered  eternal  rest with the Lord Monday, May 27, 2024 at Bons Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital Newport News, VA.

Ronald accepted Christ at an early age and had a personal relationship with God. He was a special blessing to all that he came in contact with.

Ronald attended Huntington High School and graduated from Ferguson High Schol Class of 1973. He continued his education at Thomas Nelson Community College (now Virginia Peninsula Community College) receiving an Associate’s degree in Graphic Arts.

After graduation from Thomas Nelson, Ronald worked for 40 years as a Graphic Artist at Newport News Shipbuilding. During his tenure, he was honored in the Newport News/ Huntington Ingalls magazine for great work as a Graphic Artist. Whenever you travel the James River Bridge and see the words ‘Newport News shipbuilding on the big blue crane, think of Ronald. He was the original artist to design the artwork and to have the name painted on the crane.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David James Willis.

He leaves to cherish his many precious memories his devoted wife, Marilyn B. Willis; his daughters; , LaChanda Womack9Cletus) and LaTasha Pretlow, his sons; Ronald Everett Willis and Christopher Deron Willis, his grandchildren; Elijah, Asia, Kamahie, Jaylen, Zola and Omari, his siblings; Davidsinia Willis Jones, Judy Ann Studwell and Dorsey Pittman, Jr., brother in law Elvin Wilson (Netisha) of Richmond, VA, sisters in law; Angela Wilson of Wakefield, VA, Francine Wilson (James) of Atlanta GA and Annette McClenny (Brian) of Florida and a host of nieces, nephews  and friends.

“His Lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Mathew 25:23 NKJV

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 12pm on Thursday, June 6, 2024 a Celebration of Life will be held at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Interment will be private.  Please keep the Willis family in your prayers.