James Ray Willis

James Ray Willis, 73, of Poplar Bluff died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, at his residence.

Mr. Willis was born June 22, 1935, in Corning, Ark. He attended Green Forest Church of Christ, and had retired from General Motors. Mr. Willis enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking and playing dominoes.

On Nov. 17, 1956, he married Madeline Keller. She preceded him in death on Feb. 5, 2003. On March 4, 2004, he married Christine Crocker, in Poplar Bluff. She survives.

Other survivors include 6 children, Marsha Philippou and husband Mike, of Visalia, Calif., Tammy Willis and Rita Brawner, both of Poplar Bluff, Jackie Foskett and husband Kalvin, of Jackson, Mich., Dale Willis and wife Teresa, of Dexter, Mich., and James E. Willis, of Dexter, Mo.; 11 grandchildren, Mary Arnold, Amy Willis, Rose Willis, Darrell Foskett, Becky Brawner, Ricky Brawner, Jr., Katelyn Willis, Daniel Willis, Jessie Willis, Demi Philippou and Samantha Willis; 3 great-grandchildren, Ivy MacDonald, Chloe Arnold and Matthew Raymer; and 5 sisters, Edna Easley, of Bernie, Mo., Irene Howton, of East Prairie, Mo., Sue McGill, of Anniston, Mo., Christine Mickey, of Springfield, Mo. and Lorene Mitchell, of Jacksonville, Fla.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 2.00 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel with the Mr. Andy Erwin officiating. Burial will be at the City Cemetery, in Poplar Bluff.

The family requests memorials may be made to UCAN (United Cancer Assistance Network), 2620 Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, Mo. 63901.