William Lee Willis

William Lee "Skip" Willis

December 7, 1946 - April 14, 2021

It is with heavy hearts and teary eyes that we announce the peaceful passing of William Lee "Skip" Willis, of natural causes at his residence in Ridgecrest, California, during the early morning hours of April 14, 2021. He was 74.

Bill was born on December 7, 1946, to Lenora and Thead Willis, in Tehachapi, California. In 1963 Bill joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 20 years, which included numerous deployments to Vietnam. In 1983 Bill, retired from the Navy and continued supporting the military as a contractor at the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake in California. Bill retired after 30 more years as a Management Supervisor for AECOM.

Bill enjoy fly fishing, hunting, golfing, welding, motorcycles, and ham radio. He also couldn't pass up a good garage sale.

Bill, whom his family affectionately called "Skip" or "Skipper", will be remembered for his wonderful since of humor, along with his dedication to his family. Not many families would say their husband or father was a clown but we can. Skip loved to put on his clown shoes and volunteered at the Ridgecrest Hospital brightening people's days. Skip was also an avid motorcycle rider and member of the Patriot Guard Riders as well as the American Legion Riders. He volunteered his time and service giving back to fallen veterans attending numerous funerals, honoring their service to our country.

Skip will be sadly and sorely missed by his loving family and friends.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Juanita of 52 years, son Eliott, daughter Gwynn, sisters Linda and Eve, son-in-law Jeff, daughter-in-law Becky, and granddaughters Heidi and Kayla.

The viewing is scheduled for April 17, 2021, at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Holland & Lyons Mortuary, 216 S. Norma Street, Ridgecrest, CA. Memorial service will be held that afternoon at 2:00 pm at the Immanuel Christian School Chapel, 201 W. Graaf Avenue Ridgecrest, California.

A private Interment will be held on April 21, 2021, at 12:30 pm, at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd. Arvin, CA.

*Flowers may be sent to the Holland & Lyons Mortuary or a donation can be made to the Ridgecrest Veterans Advisory Council, P.O. Box 805, Ridgecrest, CA 93556 in Bill's name.