Kennard Willis Sr.

Kennard Willis Sr, age 67, of Manahawkin, New Jersey, entered this life on June 13th, 1956 in Bridgeton NJ. Kennard was the loving son of the late William and Averil Willis. Kennard was raised in Shiloh NJ, before moving to Madison, Indiana for 43 years. Kennard was United in marriage to Cindy Smith in 1982. Kennard was blessed with a daughter and 3 loving sons. In Madison, Kennard owned and operated Main Street Motor Works for 23 years before deciding to move back home to New Jersey. For the past 21 years, Kennard managed MasterCraft Discount Auto and Tire. Kennard enjoyed working on cars, collecting antique clocks and most of all spending time with his family and friends. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. On September 8, 2023, Kennard passed away peacefully in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Kennard will be deeply missed by his wife, Cindy, his children, Luci Benefiel of Madison, Indiana, Kennard Willis of Manahawkin, New Jersey, Jeromy Willis of Manahawkin New Jersey, and Jake Willis, and wife Achli Willis also of Manahawkin, New Jersey. Ken will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Issac, Liam, Myalee, Nikole and Noah. He also leaves behind his loving siblings William and his wife Julia, Suzanne and her husband Detlev and Geoffrey and his wife Ruth. He will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his his parents William and Averil Willis along with his sister Averil Lyn Zitzner. A visitation for Kennard will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Drive, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 15, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 10 Hilliard Drive, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A committal service will occur Friday, September 15, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM at St Mary's Cemetery, Beachview DR, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shinnfuneralhome.com for the Willis family.