Ronald David Willis

Canton- Our hearts are saddened by the passing of Ronald David Willis, a man who loved his family with all his heart, peacefully entered into the gates of Heaven on Sunday, February 26, 2023.

David was born January 11, 1953 and was blessed with 70 years of a full and wonderful life. He was a lifelong resident of Haywood County and was the son of the late William Troy Willis and the late Irene Clark Willis. David had been employed as a truck driver and his strong work ethic served several companies throughout the area for a number of years.  He had a great love for “seeing the open roads” as he traveled on his job. Spending time at Lake Chatuge with his family, camping, and boating were happy and wonderful times for David. A special and meaningful memory that David held in his heart was meeting his beautiful wife, Sherry at Lake Chatuge. He was a member of Rocky Face Baptist Church and was greatly loved by his church family. David was a man truly dedicated to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and he was lovingly called “Pops” by most everyone who was blessed to know him. Also, David held a special love for his dog “Sock” who meant so much to him. As we remember David, let us never forget what a true and loyal man he was to his Lord and his family. He will be greatly missed each and every day.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 50 years, Sharon “Sherry” Jean Pressley Willis of Canton;  a daughter, Karrish and Jason Bryant of Canton; a son, Shane Willis and Sarah of Canton; daughters, Lacsey Davis of Canton, and LaJeannie and Michael Knight of Canton; sons, Corey Willis and Kim of Canton and Orey Willis and Lauren of Canton; 21 beloved grandchildren which includes Alyssa who was loved just like a daughter; 4 precious great-grandchildren; a sister, Annette Paxton and Terry of Hot Springs; special nieces, nephews, aunts, and extended family. Also a multitude of dear friends.

A celebration of life service to honor David will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Rocky Face Baptist Church. Pastor Donnie Henson will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in David’s memory to Rocky Face Baptist Church, 1635 Worley Cove Road, Canton, 28716 or the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave #100, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Willis family.