His Life and Legacy
Andrew Lee Willis peacefully transitioned into eternal life Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at the age of 73. Andrew was born in Columbus, Georgia on June 13, 1948. He was the first of 3 children to Albert and Maggie Willis.
In 1967 Andrew graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Va. Joy entered his life in the person of Shirley Mack Willis his high school sweetheart who became his wife on December 19, 1968. Andrew enlisted in the United States Army in 1967. During his tour in Vietnam, Andrew was airborne and served as Military police. After Vietnam he served in the Army National Guard and worked at the Naval Air station as an Aircraft mechanic. After returning to active duty, it was Andrew’s dream to attend Office Candidate School (OCS). His dedication and hard work allowed him to qualify and attend Officer Candidate School. Upon completion he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. Andrew continued to excel through the years in his career in the Army. Logistics was his specialty. After over 35 years of dedicated service Andrew retired as a Colonel in 2002. In 2003 Andrew gained employment with ManTech Incorporated where he served as a contractor. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times during his employment. He retired again after 10 years of service.
Andrew was a diehard Washington Redskins (now Washington Football Team) and Alabama fan. He took great pride in his family and loved spending time with them. Andrew loved the Lord, his family and serving his country. He was so many things to so many people; son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He was a hardworking man who loved life and cherished his family. He was adored by all who met him and will be greatly missed.
Andrew was predeceased by his parents Albert and Maggie Willis. He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving and devoted wife of 52 years Shirley A. Willis, two daughters Cheryl A Simons (Joseph), Veronica A. Willis; two grandchildren Cherelle A. Smith (Dominique) and Antonio Willis; two great-grandchildren Anthony J. Smith, and Ava J. Smith; two sisters Willar M. Baum (William) and Vivian Vine, several brothers and sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.
Condolences(12)-
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Peter H. Singleton says
August 21, 2021 at 10:10 amRest In Peace classmate. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Peter and Natasha Singleton
Moe Selby says
August 25, 2021 at 2:47 pmRest in peace Mr. Willis! I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to know you and your wonderful family. God has another soldier by his side…
Beverly Alberts says
August 21, 2021 at 4:24 pmWe loved you so much. To Shirley and daughters, Andrew is resting and there is no more pain. Remember all of the good times.He is watching over all of you. Rest in peace cuz.
Pastor Darnell & Earnestine Whitfield says
August 21, 2021 at 4:35 pmCondolence to Shirley, Chery, Rhonda and the rest of the Willis family. You will continue to be in our prayers!
Love,
Pastor Don & Lady E. Whitfield
Elder Russell B Bullock Class of '6767) says
August 21, 2021 at 7:33 pmTo the Willis family: the Word of God says, “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comet in the morning”. May the Lord be with you all during this time of bereavement.
Elder Russell B Bullock III. (C/O '67) says
August 21, 2021 at 7:46 pmTo the Willis family: the Word of God says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comet in the morning. May the Lord bless you and be with you all during your time of bereavement.
Willar Willis Baum says
August 22, 2021 at 4:10 pmTo my beloved brother Rest In Peace; no more pain no more worry. Our father only select the best angels on a given day. To the Willis family God will give you the strength to overcome this storm. Remember Butch loved each and every one of you and through your life his love and sprit will forever be with you.
SGM(R) Stephen E. Chapel says
August 23, 2021 at 12:00 amAndrew, i knew you as a defender of your family, your faith and your country. Your smile lit up the room, your laugh infectious and
council wise. Rest in Peace my old friend. My condolences to your family and all who knew you, you are an irreplaceable loss.
SSG Diane Outlaw, HHC 329th Area Spt Group says
August 23, 2021 at 2:53 pmCaptain Willis
Great leader, mentor and friend. Never left a soldier behind – in the heat of Egypt or Mississippi
Thank God for placing Captain Willis there to make me a soldier and keeping me both focus and humble
Prayers to the family
May God’s love comfort you -keep the memories close, thank you for sharing
,
Bishop and Mrs. Curtis Edmonds says
August 24, 2021 at 9:55 pmWe are sending our sincere condolences and prayers to the Willis family, as you look to the Lord for strength during this difficult time. Jesus will comfort you, strengthen you, and carry you through.
“…To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8
Lovingly,
Your I.C. Norcom Class of ’67 Classmates
Curtis and Evelyn Edmonds
Moe Selby says
August 25, 2021 at 2:47 pmRest in peace Mr. Willis! I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to know you and your wonderful family. God has another soldier by his side…
Bob May says
August 28, 2021 at 1:54 pmAndy is my Brother, a fellow soldier and dear friend. He is the kindest man I ever knew and and he was genuinely sincere in all his actions. I am proud to call him my friend. We served together and he earned the name “superman” while at Ft A.P. Hill.
Rest in peace dear Andy. You will be missed!