Robert Frank Willis

Robert Frank Willis, 90, was ushered into eternal life by his Savior and Lord on 9/19/2023. Born in Topeka, KS, Bob began his favorite hobby of golf as an 11 year old caddy. He played on Topeka High School, Washburn University, and US Air Force golf teams. Having played on more than 400 courses in 29 states and 9 foreign countries he had the joy of making a hole in one twice. In his youth Bob was a member of a 5 boy speaking choir that recited the Scriptures at his Church prior to the sermon. He competed on his high school swim team, and enjoyed Boy Scouts, earning the rank and honor of Eagle Scout. As a scout, he attended the National Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA in 1950.

During a 20 year Air Force career, he served as a navigator in 132 combat missions over Vietnam and developed keen skills with geography and maps. Later he served as a member of a missile command crew. After retiring from the USAF as a major, he owned two small businesses in Fayetteville, NC before moving to Gallatin, TN to be close to his family. He had a great love and appreciation for his Church, his family, and our Country.

Bob, also fondly known as Bob-Bob, is survived by his loving wife, Betty Willis, son Dr. Robert Willis (Susie), daughter Barbara Willis Misra (Steve), 5 grandchildren: Jeremy Willis (Erin Kyle), Ben Willis (Meghan), Heather Dameron (Dale), Laura Misra and David Misra, and 7 great grandchildren: Lawson and Cooper Willis, Brady, Tessa and Annie Willis, and Daniel and Luke Dameron.

A memorial service will be held to honor Bob on Friday, October 20 at 6:00 pm in the Chapel at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, TN. Visitation will be prior to the service from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Health and Help Ministries, Inc, (a nonprofit medical missions ministry directed by Robert and Susie Willis) 1034 Golf Club Cir W, Hendersonville, TN 37075 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.