Obituary: Richard James Willis

Richard J. Willis, 1936-2019

Richard James Willis of Manchester, age 83, died of Alzheimer’s dementia on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was born February 12, 1936 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of James & Mildred (Vaughn) Willis.

Richard graduated from Northville High School in 1954, and spent a year at Alma College. He was in the Army Reserves for seven years. Richard was hired by Detroit Edison, where he worked for more than 32 years as a service planner. He was a member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church, where he was active as a greeter. Richard was a hunter. Lois and Richard loved traveling and camping, in their RV,  on their Honda Goldwing, and on cruises. They wintered in Arizona and Southern California for 14 years.

On December 8, 1978, he married Lois M. Bliemeister in Westland, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Kim (Ed) Eisenhut of Alpena, Peggy (Dennis) Schmidt of Alpena, Beth (Tim Bruner) Muse of Taylor; a son, Matthew (Pina) Rule of Dearborn Heights; two sisters, Cookie Banks of Eaton Rapids, Loralee Ledesma of Tucson, AZ; four grandchildren, Andrea, Garret, Erika, Cheyenne; 10 nieces & nephews; and his golden retriever, Molly. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and step-mother.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 30, 11:00 am at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends viewing from 10 am until the service. A private burial will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.