Fred was born in Poughkeepsie, NY to the late Frederick and Arlene Willis on March 11, 1944.
In 1965 he married Jean (Girad) and together raised 3 children, Tammy, Brenda, and Rick (Frederick III).
Fred enlisted in the Navy in January 1963, rising to the rank of Master Chief. Master Chief Willis served aboard the USS America, USS Independence, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, and USS Theodore Roosevelt. Master Chief Willis was a lifelong member of FRA.
Upon retiring, Fred pursued his passion for fishing, gardening, and enjoying Nascar. His Yankee ingenuity served him well. Fred was “Mr. Fix It” to his family and friends. Fred was civic minded and he participated in the annual “Clean the Bay Day” for the past 25 years colleting nearly 6 tons of debris to support the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Fred was predeceased by his parents, daughter Tammy and brother James.
Left to treasure his memory is his wife Jean; son Rich (Deb); daughter Brenda; and three grandchildren, Jonathan, Brandon, and Ashley.
