Royce Douglas Willis Obit

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Royce Douglas Willis
May 20, 1937 - Nov 10, 2024
Posted by Martha Reddout

Royce Douglas Willis was born May 20, 1937, in Oklahoma City to Dennis Freeman Willis and Minnie (Fitzgerald) Willis and passed from this life on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Oklahoma City at the age of 87.

Royce was raised by his mother and stepfather J.Y. Baucom in the Oklahoma City area and was a graduate of Midwest City High School. He later attended college and attained an associate's degree.

As a young man he honorably served his country in the United States Air Force and much of his deployment was in Guam. While there he spent time with a native family and kept in touch with them until recently.

Following his discharge in 1962, he married Patricia Jackson, and three children were born to this union. He later married Charlette Rutledge-Skidmore, and they had one child. He was also blessed with two stepchildren. Both of his wives preceded him in death. Four sisters, Wilma, Loretta, Nancye, and Fran also died earlier. He relocated from Oklahoma City to Marietta in 1977.

Royce had a long career as a truck driver and drove for several companies before finally settling with Donco Trucking where he remained some 30 years.

He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Marietta and was part of the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma for more than 25 years.

Survivors include his children: Mark Willis of Norman, Frank Skidmore and wife Terri of Ada, Mike Willis and wife Julie of Dale, Susie Christy and husband Randall of Ada, Melody Payne and husband Loyd of Oklahoma City, and Laura Willis of the home in Marietta, along with 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 18, at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Marietta with Shane Norton and Rev. Randall Christy officiating.

Interment will follow in the Lakeview Cemetery, Marietta.

His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Williamson-Spradlin Wetumka/Weleetka

This obituary included a photo of Mr. Willis

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