Robert "Bobby" Willis

Bobby was born June 27, 1941 in Southport, son of the late Orville and Vera Swain Willis. He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. After returning to Southport, he worked as a Longshoreman and owned Southport Village Boat and RV Storage. He enjoyed spending time near the water enjoying many fishing trips, meeting new people and sharing his catch. In his earlier years, he volunteered with Southport Fire Department and still considered many of the members as friends. He had an outgoing personality and would lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Bobby also enjoyed working around his house and yard. He had vast knowledge of real estate around Southport which he enjoyed buying, fixing up, and selling. He loved his church and served on various committees.

Survivors include his wife Mary Jo Pittman Willis of the home; son, Robert T. Willis of Southport; stepdaughter, Joelle Doucette and husband John of Bolivia; stepson, Jim Herman of Tarboro; grandson, Malcolm Walcott of Sunset Beach; granddaughter, Laura Willis of Southport; sister, Vera Ann Bostic of Riegelwood; a nephew, Allen Bostic of NC; and nieces, Elizabeth Ann Ross of Belville and Jennifer Stewart of Buies Creek.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at three o’clock in the afternoon at Southport Baptist Church with Reverend Devon Varnam officiating. Burial will follow in Northwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from two o’clock until two forty-five at the church.

Pallbearers will be Cecil Franck, James Munger, Dave Owens, Jim High, Bip Proctor, and Glen Price.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Southport Baptist Church Pew Cushion Fund, 200 N. Howe Street, Southport, North Carolina 28461 or SECU Hospice, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, North Carolina 28422.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service.