Johnnie Ray Willis

Johnnie Ray Willis, age 73, of Woodville, Texas passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023. On December 21, 1949, he was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma to Louie and Raydell Willis.

 Johnnie enjoyed cooking and working in his garden. His home was his favorite place to be. Every morning, he sat on his porch with his cup of “Smut” as he called it and enjoyed his quiet time. He enjoyed sitting around reminiscing and telling stories. He was an expert at giving advise “AND WITH THAT BEING SAID,” not so much at receiving it. He adored animals, particularly his dog Butterbean. He had a tremendously compassionate heart and would give anyone in need the shirt off his back. He enjoyed being around his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. He lived in Woodville, Texas for 38 years.

He is survived by his daughter Sandra Gail Ovacik and husband Sinan of Arlington, Texas, Sons Jeremy Willis and wife Michelle of Vancleave, Mississippi, Danny Ray Kendzierski and wife Vanessa of Beaumont, Texas and daughter, Monica Vidal of Katy, Texas. Grandchildren Chase Stevenson of Arlington, Texas, Cameron Stevenson and wife Lauren of Arlington, Texas, Hale Edlefsen and husband Jeff of Arlington, Texas, Jared, Jacob and Jazmyne of Vancleave, Mississippi, Alex Vidal and wife, Zaidmy of Katy, Texas, Carolina and Alayna Vidal of Katy, Texas and Brittany Guerre and husband Rob of Houston, Texas. Great grandchildren Chance, Jennings, Lyric, Emma, Luca, Isabella and Mia. Johnnie’s surviving siblings are Linda Billeaudeau of Woodville, Texas, Joann Willis, of Nederland, Texas, Anthony Scalco and wife Karen of Groves, Texas, Caroline Willis and Teddy Campbell of Hemphill, Texas, Patricia Willis of Nederland, Texas, and Cynthia Simmons of Port Arthur, Texas. Sam, David, Duane, Michael, Tracey, Ashley, Nick, Tori, Bubba, Jesse, Christopher, and Chelsea are among the twelve nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St Judes Children’s Research at www.stjude.org , the Humane society of South East Texas at www.humanesocietyofsoutheasttexas.org or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

Preceding him in death are his parents Louie and Raydell Willis, brother Bobby Willis and brother Junior Willis “June-bug”

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 11 am until 2 pm at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel.

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