Jimmy Ray Willis

Jimmy Ray Willis passed away at 11:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, at age 62 at his home in Baton Rouge after a courageous 14 year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was a native of Jefferson, Texas, reared in League City, Texas, and had been a resident of Baton Rouge for 32 years. Jim was a dedicated newspaper carrier for The Advocate for 38 years. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gwen Miller Willis; two children, Ricky Willis and Wendy Willis George and her spouse, Jon; two grandchildren, Kyle and Hope McKee; an aunt, Peggy T. McWilliams, of Lufkin, Texas; and four sisters-in-law, Marian Miller Landry and her spouse, Gerard Landry, Janet Miller Womack and her spouse, Dr. David L. Womack, Tracy Miller and her partner, Vicki Holmes, and Bettye Creed and her spouse, John Creed. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bettie Terry Willis; stepfather, Larry A. Willis; grandparents, Roby and Opal Terry; father and mother-in-law, Walter T. and Janice T. Miller; and a granddaughter, Morgan McKee. He was a member of Sherwood Baptist Church. Jim was an avid LSU football fan, loved The Beach Boys and was a member of the 1966 Clear Creek High School Wildcats Basketball team of League City. The visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral home on Monday, Jan. 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. and continuing Tuesday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. until time of services at noon, conducted Dr. David L. Womack and Deacon Brent Maher. Interment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Jon George, Rodney Underwood, Murray Miller, Gerard Landry, Todd Ezell, Darron Navarre, Randy Underwood and Jerry Underwood. Special thanks to his oncologist, Dr. Gerald Miletello, for his excellent care along with his nurses, as well as Wesley, Buffy, Beverly and Carol. Thanks also to Tory at Audubon Home Health, Hospice of Baton Rouge, our family as well as special friends, Rodney and Karen Underwood.