Robert Lee Willis Sr., age 82 of Burnside, Kentucky passed from this life on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the VA Hospital in Lexington.

Robert was born on January 17, 1943 to the late Harry Willis and Racie Pierce Willis on Willis Jersey Dairy Farm in Malta, Ohio.

Robert grew up working on a family-owned dairy farm in Malta. He joined the United States Army in May of 1966 and served in Vietnam. After meeting and marrying Joyce Ann Hammond Willis, he and his family moved to Kentucky. He worked as a Glazier at Sears Glass Shop for 27 years before retiring in 2003. He enjoyed his retirement by frequenting the flea market, keeping up with current events, and spending time with family. Robert never met a stranger, and he loved to talk to people, and had a saying to his grandson “See ya later alligator, After while crocodile.”

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Eric Howell. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Ann Hammond Willis, his children: Kristina (Brian) Soller, Anne Howell, and Robert “Bobby” (Jessica) Willis Jr., grandchildren: Justin Soller, Kaleena Soller, Riley Howell and Luke Howell. Bonus granddaughter: Courtney Ashton. Step-grandchildren: Allison Stevenson and Olivia Stevenson, and great-grandchildren: Jade Soller and Brydon Soller.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 11am to 1pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 1pm with Bro. David Bullock officiating. Burial will follow in Mill Springs National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Honor Guard Post #38. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Robert Lee Willis Sr.