Robert Howard Willis, 5r., 97 was born on January 12, 1928, in DeBerry, Texas, to the union of Ollie Beechum Willis and Leamon Willis. He was the second oldest of twelve children. In 1934, the family relocated to Smith County, Texas, where Robert would spend much of his life.

Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, baseball and playing the lottery. He enjoyed watching football, "The Price is Right," and "Wheel of Fortune." He and his brother, Smokey, were well known for raising some of the best watermelons in East Texas.

At the age of 14, Robert united with Little Zion Baptist Church in 1942, remaining a faithful and devoted member throughout his life. He served the church for many years as a Trustee. He attended Stanton Schools and, after completing the ninth grade, entered the workforce, beginning employment at Western Foundry at the age of 15.

On November 24, 1950, Robert enlisted in the United States Army. During his service in the Korean War, he was wounded on October 10, 1951, and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Medical Badge, and the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Campaign Star for his sacrifice. He was honorably discharged on March 31, 1953.

Robert married Geneva Rider on December 31, 1953. Five children were born to this union. In January 1954, he began his college education at Texas College, graduating in May 1958 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Throughout his working years, Robert held positions at Sterling Faucet and Tyler Pipe Industry before beginning a career with the United States Postal Service, from which he retired after 22 years of dedicated service. He also served his community as a member of the Chapel Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees from 1972 to 1975.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Rider Willis, on July 28, 2000. He later married Mildred Stewart on December 27, 2002, and they made their home in Whitehouse, Texas. Mildred preceded him in death on March 19,2022.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Leamon and Ollie Willis; seven brothers, Leamon Jr., Elbert, Thomas, Charles, Nesby, Ross, and Larry Willis; and three sisters, Thelma Beasley, Alma Birdow, and Addie Pettigrew Taylor.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory his children: Lillie Faye Willis of Fresno, California; Debra Williams; DaWanda Austin (Jimmie) of DeSoto, Texas; Barbara Hughes (Alvin); Sharon Williams (Ronnie); and Robert H. Willis Jr.

(Sandra) of Rowlett, Texas. He is also survived by one sister, Hattie Faye Mosley (L. P.) of Tyler, Texas; sisters-in-law Rose Willis of Fort Worth, Texas; Loretta Willis of Troup, Texas; and Jessie Myers of Garland, Texas.

He leaves a legacy of love through his grandchildren: Carl Raye Harris, Amber Fannin, Torey Hughes, Tiffany Gardner, Crystal Simon, Whitney Williams, Tanisha Duncan, Robert H. Willis III, Brooke Hamadachi, and Christian Willis; and his great-grandchildren: Jenea Travier, Layton Ekwuruke, Jacelyn Hughes, Noelle Fannin, Camden Hamadachi, Karli Harris, Randon Harris, Vincent Harris, Lauryn Harris, Brandon Simon Jr., and Brynn Simon.

He is also survived by his stepchildren: Bobby Don Stewart, Jerry Stewart, James Arthur Stewart, Bruce Earl Stewart (deceased) and his wife Sherry, Lana Kay Smith (Henry), Sharon Kennedy (James), and Karon Starks.

Robert Howard Willis will be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives he touched through his faith, service, and devotion to family.