Orville R. Willis

Published 9:46 am Thursday, April 28, 2016

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Orville Ray Willis, age 85, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on April 25, 2016 at the Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

Mr. Willis was born on February 21, 1931 to Johnnie and Alma Foster Willis in Hatteras, NC. Orville worked as a surveyor for many years before retiring. He was known to many as a quiet, gentle man. Orville enjoyed playing the guitar during his younger days and was an avid exerciser, and was many years before everyone realized it was the right thing to do. Orville loved his cat and spent lots of his time sitting quietly watching television.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Grace Willis, and brother, Charles Willis.

Orville is survived by his niece, Terri Copeland of Virginia Beach; his sister, Shirley Cassaras of Florida; his brother, Johnnie “Jr.” Willis of Colorado; his brother-in-law, Billy Copeland of Chesapeake, VA; and his sister-in-law, Hattie C. Wiggins of Ahoskie, NC, along with several other nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 1:00 pm, one hour prior to the service at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC, with the Rev. Ronald McSwain, officiating.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Willis family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.