Mr. Herman Ralph Willis, age 88, of Bristol, FL went home to be with the Lord, Friday, February 23, 2024. Ralph was born on December 12, 1935 to Edward and Malbry (Thomas) Willis in Kathleen, FL. Ralph was a retired deliveryman with Tatum Hardware, formally C. C. Corbin Hardware in Blountstown, FL. He served in the Florida Army National Guard for 32 years and retired as a Staff Sergeant with the 144th Transportation Company in Marianna, FL. Ralph loved his community, serving with the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years, eventually becoming Assistant Fire Chief. He also continued the trade he learned from his father as a shoe cobbler in the family business, Willis Shoe Repair. He was a Member of Bristol Church of God where he joyfully served as a Greeter. Ralph along with his wife Sharon dearly loved going to Wimauma, FL for the Church of God Camp Meeting. He enjoyed doing all kinds of woodwork. Ralph never met a stranger and could always be counted on to bring humor and a smile to all he encountered.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Malbry (Thomas) Willis, brother, Edward and a sister, Mary. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sharon (Peavy) Willis of Bristol, FL. Two sons, Rodney Willis and his wife, Sandy of Clarksville, FL, Grant Willis and his wife, Brandy of Tallahassee, FL, two grandsons, Jordan Willis and Drew Willis. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Terry Blackburn and Reverend Samuel Mathis officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Altha, FL. The family will receive friends, Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 1:00 pm (CST) until service time at 2:00 pm (CST) at Peavy Funeral Home Chapel. The family will accept flowers but anyone wishing may make contributions to the Disabled American Veterans or to the Wounded Warrior Project. All arrangements are under the direction of Marlon Peavy at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, FL.
