Willis, John Rex

John Rex Willis, 74, of Pulaski, Va., peacefully completed his earthly journey and went fishing on September 21, 2009. He was born on October 3, 1934, in Damascus, Va. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late John Avery and Ruby N. Willis, and his brother, Frederick E. Willis, of Pulaski. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired from Hercules Powder Company at RAAP. He served as Pulaski County Building Official for several years as well as construction manager for various job sites revamping the Virginia courthouses and Virginia Public Schools, the last belonging to Wythe County Schools. Rex is survived by his wife of 49 years, Martha (Becky) M. Willis; son and daughter-in-law, John D. and Jolene E. Willis, of Orlando Park, II; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and William (Bill) Richardson, of Christiansburg; grandchildren, John, Sarah, and Sydney, of Orlando Park, Il, and Mike (Mr. P) of Pulaski; sister, Ms. Sandra Younce, of Pulaski; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Ruth Willis, of Elkton, Md.; mother-in-law, Mrs. Sara A. Martin, of Pulaski; brother-inlaw, Howard Martin, of Pulaski; brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Barbara Martin, of Lynchburg; and four nieces. Rex enjoyed his family and friends, fishing, hunting, boating, and any ball game there was to watch. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2009, from the Stevens Funeral Chapel with the Rev. C.R. Conner officiating. Burial will follow at the Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. Visiting will be from the funeral home on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.