From: The Willis Family 
To    : Beverly Ragsdale and Family
Date : February 23, 2011

Re    : Reflections on the life of Luther B. Willis, Jr.

Hi Beverly, we are deeply saddened by the passing of our cousin, LB. We want you to know that you and the family are in our prayers and that we stand with you in this time of grievous loss. But the sadness of this time does not overshadow the joy of knowing that LB was in the Lord and is now with the Lord – “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13).

I have talked with the elders of the Willis family and we did not recall much of  LB’s life in Yazoo City, but we all agree that he was a person of great moral character. He possessed attributes that set him apart as a young man. LB was ambitious. He was found working at various jobs such as delivering papers and working with the milk delivery man. In addition, LB was a jolly person. He loved to talk and share his experiences with others. His desire to have fun and enjoy life was best expressed in his love to dance. LB loved to tap dance and was always ready to display his artful skills.

LB was a self supporting person. This was demonstrated by his eager desire to work as a youngster and later by his joining the military. His achievements in the military disclosed an innate desire to excel, to be the best person he could be, and to obtain the greatest external benefits life offered. That desire was motivated by his “joy” seeking nature that gave him the appearance of a person who really enjoyed life.

LB sought the ultimate of joy when he sought those internal benefits that are only found in a life surrendered to the Lord. Even in sickness, this blessed man of God enjoyed the peace promised him by our Savior. When he visited Detroit some years ago one would not have known he faced medical challenges because he presented that same talkative, jovial personality that we had come to know. That’s what we will remember about LB. He was a joyful person who gave his life to Christ and his service to his fellowman. Our prayer is that all of us who are left on these mundane shores will emulate the life and legacy that LB lived and left to us. He has escaped this culture of challenges and complications and is now resting from his labors. Amen. 

Alma Petty, Classie Wright, Orletha Rome, Bishop John B. Willis, Jr., (Marjorie), Delessie Summerville (Tommie),  Rev. Charles E. Willis (Mary)

Beverly and family,
I am sorry for your loss of a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  You have been an amazing family to care for him and God will send you blessings for your generosity.  May you find comfort and peace!

"A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth."
Ecclesiastes 7:1 

We were sadden to hear of the passing of Deacon Luther B. Willis, Jr.  He was very good mentor and friend.  He will be greatly missed.  May God bless you and your family.

To the family and my oldest friend Kristle I am truly sorry for the loss of Grandpa Willis. He was always a strong role model and a loving man. I have many fond memories of times at his house. I loved him and he will be missed. I wish I could be with the family at this time. All my love.

To the Willis Family and the LZBC family I send my deepest condolences and my heartfelt sympathy as I pay tribute to a man I had the joy of knowing.  He was faithful in his walk with his church family and God.  May God continue to bless and keep you in peace

The Harper Family has known Mr. Willis for most of our lives and we share many memories.  We pray that God will bless his family and bring peace to them during this time. (On behalf of the Harper Family)

I am sorry for the lost of your love one.I will also miss him until we meet again.Oh no,it's not over we will see each other again.He was like a father to me.We talk about many things doing the times we spent together,laughing and eating.May you find the peace that the Lord had giving me.

Although I did not know Luther personally, through his daughter Beverly it is clear to me that he was a man of honor and integrity.  Both he and his family are in my prayers.  
To you Luther, I wish you "fair winds and following seas" on your journey to reunion with your family, friends, and comrades that have gone before you.

                       John Nicholson
                       LCDR USN (ret)

Brenda, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I pray that you will keep his memories close to your heart. I also pray that God will continue to comfort you at this sad time. May God bless you and your family.

In Christ, 
Leon and Sonya Reynolds

Willis Family,
May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief.

Baylor Family,
Violet, Brenda and Kenneth

To the family of Deacon Willis. Please accept our heartflt condolences.  Deacon Willis was a longtime friend and will be grealy missed by all of us who knew him.  God bless you and do be encouraged.  Athenia Moore and Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

To The Family,

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the passing of your loved one.  I have known Deacon Willis for over 20 years and will miss him greatly.  May God bless you all and give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.

We will be keeping you in our prayers, Bev. Love and peace to you, your girls, Christopher, and the rest of your family...

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

To my uncle LB: I know that you are in the bosom of the SON right now and that you are more than happy to be there. Life on earth is precious but life with Jesus is priceless! I love you and you will be missed.  To the family: God doesn't make mistakes. I pray that he eases the sting of death and that you find comfort in the Lord...knowing that Uncle LB is at peace and in a better place. I pray that we all get our houses in order so that we will ensure ourselves of meeting once again. May God bless you and keep you...
Deric' Harris

While we celebrate the life and memories of Luther B. Willis, may this give us strength to carry on with the values and standards that he set for us, morally and spiritually. Luther, Daddy Willis, will always hold a special place in my heart that need not be explained but cherished. Love You!!! Wee-Wee

To the family of Mr. Willis Jr., may I express my sympathy to each and every one of you, especially Ms. Ragsdale in your time of grief.  Remember that our Lord Jesus is forever present in our daily lives.  In your bereavement he will stand shoulder to shoulder with you and bring you peace. As he awaits your father, grandfather, find comfort in God's presence.

I LOVE GRANDFATHER, YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN / LOVE YOU....

I LOVE YOU GRANDFATHER/ YOU WILL BE MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN/ LOVE YOU.....

To my Sisters and Brothers, Neices and Nephews and all the grand kids. May God give you comfort through this time of Bereavement. I've learned; To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. If daddy Willis could return for a second, he would say "My Children, Weeping may endure for a night but JOY cometh in the morning". I want to personally thank you all, who have been supportive from Hampton and Richmond. Beverly-BE STRONG BE ENCOURAGE!

We have been blessed with the presence of Luther Willis Jr and I express my condolences to the members of my family who suffers from his unexpected transition from this world to the next. Hold on to the positive thoughts and memories shared by him...

Peace And Blessings...

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

OBITUARY

Luther Bobby Willis Jr.

26 July, 1923 – 17 February, 2011

Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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