Bennie Willis

Bennie Willis, age 91, of Washington, North Carolina, began his eternity at the foot of God on November 7, 2026. Born March 6, 1935, in Amherst, Virginia, he was the son of the late Homer Willis and Dora Hicks Willis. 

Bennie was a hardworking man who retired from a career as a machinist with BGE. He believed in an honest day's work, standing firm in his convictions, and speaking his mind. Never one to shy away from a conversation, Bennie had a larger-than-life personality. He could be stubborn and opinionated, but he was also funny, generous, and loving. He never met a stranger and had a way of making his presence known wherever he went. A Baptist by faith, Bennie's love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was at the very center of his life. He spoke openly and often about his faith, never missing an opportunity to share the love of Christ and the promise of salvation with those around him. His faith was not simply something he believed; it was something he lived and eagerly shared with others. 

Family was one of Bennie's greatest blessings. He shared 52 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mary, until her passing in May 2025. Together, they built a family rooted in love, loyalty, and devotion. Bennie embraced Mary's five children as his own, never allowing the word "step" to define the love he had for them. Along with his daughter, Tonya, he was a devoted father to six children and took great pride in the generations that followed. Bennie lived his 91 years with a strong will, a generous heart, an unmistakable sense of humor, and an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Those who knew him will remember his stories, his laughter, his willingness to speak his mind, and the love he held for his family. 

He is survived by four of his six children: Linda Johns; Judy (Johns) Miller and her husband, Mark; Phillip Johns; and Tonya (Willis) Ayers and her husband, Steve. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bennie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Willis; his daughter, Brenda (Johns) Nielson; his son, Charles Allen Johns; his grandson, Sean Nicholas Marti; and seven brothers and two sisters. 

A Celebration of Bennie's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Bennie's memory. While his family will dearly miss his voice, his humor, his strong opinions, and his loving presence, they take comfort in the promise of eternal life through the Savior he so faithfully proclaimed. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:21 (KJV)

Arrangements by Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, P.A. Online condolences may be made to www.myersdurborawfh.com.