Mr. David Lee Willis

In Remembrance Of Our Beloved David Lee Willis: On Tuesday, March 25, 1942, a male child with skin like brown velvet, black curly hair and big beautiful eyes, named after his father and mother, David Lee, was the first child of 13 children born to the union of the late Reverend David Daniel and Daisy Lee Willis Jr. One brother, Kenneth and one sister, Marcella, preceded him in death. David, affectionately called, Son by his family, was reared in a Christian home and was instilled with strong Christian values. He was baptized at an early age by his father, at the Greater Middle Missionary Baptist Church of Ferndale, Michigan pastored by the late Reverend Johnson. In his later years, he united with the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan pastored by the late Reverend Holly. As a youth he and his younger sisters Linda, Delessie, and Marcella, known as the Willis Singers, would travel on Sunday evenings with their father to various Baptist churches, singing praises to God before he would preach. They often received standing ovations for their a-cappella singing. These were very special fun times for the family being able to travel with their Dad and to serve God all at the same time. David was educated in the Detroit Public Schools system, graduating from Eastern High School in June 1961. During high school, David participated in track and cross country, R.O.T.C. and played the flute in the Eastern High School Band. After graduating from Eastern High School, David was drafted into the Armed Services. He served his country honorably, earning a Purple Heart for his tour in the Vietnam War. During the months of March and April, David enjoyed fishing with his Aunt Elma. They would travel into Canada and fish for Capper, which ran during those months. In addition to fishing, he loved playing chess with friends and colleagues at the American Legion, Joe Louis Post #375. His great love was photography. For 40 years David took pictures for all occasions. On Saturday, February 10, 1973, David was united in holy matrimony to Dorothy Marrable. Their union was blessed with one son Lawrence Lee. David retired from the City of Detroit, Department of Transportation (DOT) after 30 years (February 11, 1967-February 11, 1997) of dedicated service. On Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at 3 a.m. our Heavenly Father saw fit to summon David home to receive his rewards.

Mr. David Lee Willis

March 25, 1942 - April 27, 2016