Service Details
Funeral: Monday, June 17, 2019 12:00pm
Visitation: Monday, June 17, 20219 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI
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Racine – Edward D. “Eddie” Willis, age 79, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 after a long illness. Eddie was born on Dec 29, 1939 to the union of Rulelver and Ardie Mae Willis in Birmingham AL. He was the eldest of six children and moved to Racine with his parents in 1945.
Eddie was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles and cherished sports of any kind. He loved history so much that he added his middle name, Dessalines, after a Haitian ruler of old. Edward was united in marriage to Diann Faye Willis on May 17, 1996. He worked for more than 30 years with Chrysler, American Motors Corporation and retired in 2001. In past years, Eddie enjoyed being a part of the Prince Hall Masons and had attained the honor of his 32nd degree.
Eddie leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Diann Willis, her son Kent Kirby, the McGowan and Shields family, brother Tyronne Willis, and sister Bonnye Collins and her sons Curtis, Carey and Cyle Collins. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and a host of family and friends. Eddie did not have any biological children but inherited sons and daughters in Dave Minor, Pamela Smith, Zenetta Harvey, Valencia Harvey and Thomas (Donna) Harvey, and his great-granddaughter Naomi Lewis who fondly called him Papa.
Eddie was preceded in death by his father Rulelver in 1972, his mother Ardie Mae in 2016, brothers James Talbert, Rulelver Jr., Robert and his wife Anne, Timothy Willis, and his former wife Flora L. Willis in 1994.
A Celebration of his life will be held on on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 12:00pm, in the Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI. Visitation will be in the Chapel from 11:00am until the time of service. Please visit the funeral home website at a later date for his full obituary.
AREVELON TUNSTELL says
Sorry For Your Loss, May God Be With Y’all RIH Uncle Eddie 🙏😇🙏
Sherby A Oliver says
Eddie
You were a great husband to my friend. Rest In Peace.
Cardella Hicks says
My sincere condolences to the family of Edward Willis.
May the God of all comfort, comfort you and your family during this very difficult time.
1Corithians 1:3,4
Anonymous says
So sorry to hear of Edwards passing. Our prayers are with you and your family. God will keep you strong.
Love & Blessings
Les & Claudette Shackelford
Inglewood, CA
Anonymous says
My sincere condolences to you, Faye and all the Family. Be encouraged. Crying will endure for a night but joy comes in the morning! Love you!
Min. Rosalie A. kirk says
Faye and Family: Be encouraged, God will wipe away your tears. Joy does come in the Morning. As you travel this journey, I pray that God will continue to give each of you strength for the days ahead. Love you , Rosie
Family says
Sorry for your loss from Family will miss you uncle Eddie rest in peace.
J. Flowers says
Dear family and friends, I’m very sorry for your loss. Those who have lost loved ones in death are comforted beyond measure by the bible-based hope of the resurrection at John 5:28, 29. I hope this scripture brings you comfort.
Carol Linda Jones says
ZENNETTA , I was heartbroken to learn of Eddie’s passing . I only remember him as a Caring family man and an Extemely Hard Worker And Provider. He and Flora enjoyed visiting Joe and Jackie Knuckles, barbecuing and conversating.
I am deeply sorry for your loss