Sgt. Retired Larry Willis, Sr.

Larry Donnell Willis, Sr. born to Freeman John Willis and Eva Belle Smith Willis on November 25, 1952, in Mathews County, Virginia.

Larry grew up being known as “Donnell” to his family and Mathews friends.  He was raised in North Virginia with his brothers and sister as the youngest of five children . He learned at an early age to love and value God.  With this background he naturally loved people from all walks of life.  At approximately ten years old, he joined Emmaus Baptist Church in North where he was baptized.

Larry was educated in the Mathews County school system. While in school he played high school basketball and participated in other activities.  As a child he cut grass and did odd jobs to make money.  After Donnell graduated from Mathews High School in 1972, he joined the United States Army.

While in the military he traveled the United States and abroad serving his country. The military gave him the opportunity to go to Germany, Korea, Honduras, Panama, the Virgin Islands just to name a few places. During his time in the military, he enjoyed singing cadence during the morning march to inspiring his unit. He received many awards, certificates and promotions during his career in the military. He was promoted earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In 1975 he married the late Victoria Carter of Lively, VA.  From this marriage brought three children: Holly, Larry Jr., and Angel.  He continued traveling abroad with his family until retiring from the military in 1992 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as a Staff Sergeant with the military police.

Larry began his study of criminal justice at Rappahannock Community College, while working nights at Wal-Mart, where he met his special friend Ms. Sharon Bedford.  While interviewing the Sheriff for an assignment he was offered a position with the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. In June of 1995 after graduating from the police academy, he began his career as a deputy in Westmoreland County. He made Westmoreland his home and joined Morning Star Baptist Church. During his time as a deputy he taught D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and later became a School Resource Officer for grades K-12.  He was elected President of The Northern Neck Fraternal Order of Police.  In December of 2012, Larry retired from the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s office as a Sergeant. After retiring he continued serving his community as a Driver for the school system. He also mentored troubled teens in the Northern Neck until fully retiring.

Larry was a man known by many names. In the military he was Staff Sergeant Willis, at home in Mathews he was Donnell, in his community his students knew him as Officer Willis, and to his colleagues Sarg. To his children he was simply Daddy and his grandchildren Poppop. He enjoyed classic cars, his favorite being his old Grand Prix. He liked Blues and Jazz music especially BB King. He enjoyed singing with the Morning Star Mens Choir. Larry had a passion for helping youth. He participated in the Army Special Olympics and Easter Egg hunts with the FOP.  Larry never knew a stranger and kept up with many people he met along the way. He was adamant about attending his class reunions every year. He enjoyed spending time with family during cookouts, gatherings, and drive by phone calls. He made a point to attend his home church in Mathews for Home Coming or any special services. Anyone that knew him knew he was prepared and on time.

On Saturday May 4th, 2024 while enjoying one of his favorite past times, he passed away. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Freeman John Willis; his brother, Charles Willis; his mother, Eva Smith Willis: and his daughter Angel Tamika Willis.

Larry leaves to cherish his cherish his memories his daughter, Holly D. Carter, Lively, VA; his son, Larry D. Willis, JR., Lancaster, VA; his sister, Ellen Willis Scott, California, MD; brothers, John Marshall Willis (Hyacenth), Mathews, VA, and Raymond Willis, SR (Arma), Mathews, VA; his granddaughters, Meka Dorree and Yasmin “aka KyMir”; grandsons, Quantik Trevon, Xavier DeShaun, and Christopher Andre; his great-grandchildren: Kamari, Ariyah, Caleb, Kynseli, La’Mia, and Tre’Quan. Also to cherish their uncle’s memory are Ceondra, Raymond, JR,; Marshall, Yvette, Yolanda, Hollis IV, Marty C. Jr., Dereck, Darryl Jr., Nicholas, and Alexys; his bonus family: Tommie, Phonecia, Tommie Jr., Nicholas, Sydney; and his special friend, Sharon Bedford; along with a host of great-nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Service of Remembrance for Sgt. Retired Larry Willis, Sr., will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 11AM in the sanctuary of the Salem Baptist Church, 1310 Erica Road, Montross, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Emmaus Baptist Church Cemetery, 13974 North VA 23128/ 13974 John Clayton Memorial Highway SR.14

Remains may be viewed from 4PM until 6PM on Monday, May 13 in the chapel of the WELDON-FISHER FUNERAL HOME and from 10AM until service time on Tuesday, May 14 at Salem Baptist Church

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