Steven Douglas Willis, 69, of Connelly Springs passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at his residence following a period of declining health.
Steve was born July 17, 1955, to the late Jake Willis and Junie Lingerfelt Shuford. He worked for Kenworth as a garage manager, for Burke County EMS as an EMT-Intermediate, and Icard Township Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He loved music and enjoyed learning to play the guitar with his mentor and friend Ron Skinner. In Steve’s spare time he enjoyed volunteering at Friends for Animals Shelter with the Leash on Life program as a dog trainer. He loved being on Lake Rhodhiss fishing and especially water skiing. Steve’s claim to fame was that he “could fix anything except a broken heart and a busted ass”. His pride and joy were his grand-children, and he treasured the time that he spent with them.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Sonny Willis, brothers-in-law, Perry Shuford, Harvey Berry, and Allen Church. Also are his beloved pets, Prissy, Dixie, Bubba, Sam, and Soloman.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 25 years, Deborah Shook Willis; daughters, Amanda Bilton (Ernest), Alaina Willis (Vincent LaFrance); son, Joshua Jordan; Sisters; Dorothy “Dot” Shuford, Brenda Berry, Frances Church; sister in law Kathy Willis; brother, Roger Shuford (Lucy); grandchildren, Caroline Bilton (Elijah Hess), Trinity Powell, Maddison Powell, Lexi Jordan; bonus grandchildren, Nicholas Frazier, Luke Evans, Liam Cuddington; and special pets, Carly, Zoey, and Daisy. He is also cherished by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 1:30 PM in the chapel of Mackie Funeral Service with Dr. Ron Skinner officiating.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
Memorials may be made to Amorem Hospice at www.amoremsupport.com