John Douglas Willis

John Douglas Willis, 67, of Hope Mills, N.C., formerly of Benton, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at the Durham VA Medical Center. He was born on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945 to Winfred and Margie Lovell Willis. John was a veteran of the United States Army and Vietnam War; 18 year employee of Aloca, Benton, Ark.; Wrenn Handling, Fayetteville, N.C. and his most loved job, a Baptist Minister for years. John was preceded in death by his father, WR "Boogle" Willis; brother in laws, Kenneth Murders and Larry Parker and two granddaughters, Virginia and Elizabeth. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda "Cookie" Parker Willis of 42 years; mother, Margie Willis; sisters, Rachel Murders, Demita Rhoades; brother in law, Charles Rhoades; sister in law, Judy Parker; sons, Jason and wife, Mary Jo, John and wife, Cassandra, Joshua and wife, Brittany; special son, Joey Reaves; grandsons, Richard, Lansing, Patrick and a host of nieces and nephews. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2012 at Gravel Hill Cemetery on Hwy 9 in Benton. Visitation and Services were held May 5, 2012 at Pinecrest Funeral Home in Hope Mills, N.C.. In Lieu of flowers, make donations in his memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital www.stjude.org or Hope Mills First Baptist Church, fbchm.org to support his love for helping children and the Church. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.