Robert “Neal” Willis, 72, of Beech Glen Community, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017. He was a lifelong resident of Madison County and the son of the late C.N. Willis Jr. and Ella Vee Radford Willis.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Hazel Shelton Willis; son, Chad Willis (Nicole); daughter, Stacey Mace (Michael); brother, Clayton Willis (Elaine); grandchildren, Natalie and Ben Willis, Heath and Samuel Mace; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved and admired.
Neal was devoted to the Madison County Youth League Sports for many years. In 1983 he coached his youth league baseball team to a State Championship and in the late 1980’s, he was on the coaching staff for the undefeated youth league football team. After coaching, he served as the NC Babe Ruth Commissioner for several years. Neal attended Beech Glenn Baptist Church and was also an avid deer hunter and outdoorsman.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, March 5, 2017, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverends Josh Hughes, Stanley Peek & Kevin Boone will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-8pm Saturday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Neighbors in Need of Madison County, PO Box 64, Marshall, NC 28753.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org