Marvin Lee Willis, better known as “Buddy,” born March 18, 1938 in Sheffield, AL passed away at his home on January 7, 2026. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 1-3 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 3 pm in the chapel. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Doug Jackson will be officiating.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Oscar Willis, his mother, Emma Lorene Halliburton Willis, brother George Willis, sisters Evelyn Dean Willis and Mae Allison, his firstborn son Marvin Lee Willis Jr. and granddaughter Jessie Elaine Willis.
He is survived by his wife LaDelle Brooks Willis; his sons Phillip Willis, Collin Willis, Lance Willis (Lori), and Scott Johnston (Bridget) as well as his daughter Cheryl Johnston Souther ( Will). Grandchildren Lee Willis, Jennifer Willis, Alex Willis (Sarah Grace), Breanna Willis, Addi Willis, Maddilyn Willis, Garrett Willis, Catherine Willis, Dylan Johnston (Allie), Trey Johnston, Brady Johnston, and Carley Souther. Great-grandchildren Kane Willis, Justyce Willis, Jace Willis, Sylvie Willis, Jude Willis, Ocie Willis, Emory Risner, and Oakley Willis along with a host of nieces and nephews and the mother of his sons, Elaine Willis.
Buddy was born and raised in Cherokee, Alabama where he graduated and was a two-time high school football All-American. He was also inducted as a member of the Colbert County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a member of the Sheffield Masonic Lodge #503. He loved his family, football, as well as hunting and fishing. One of his favorite topics of conversation was playing football with his childhood friend, Jack Cochran. Jack and Les McCullough were two men that he dearly loved and looked up to. He enjoyed fishing with Ricky Wix and Darrell Miller. Buddy loved deer hunting and was a proud member of the Alabama Dog Hunter’s Association. He enjoyed spending time with Johnny Bivins, Terry Woods and other members of the hunting club community. He was saved later in his life and would tell his family that God has been good to him. He would tell his sons and grandsons about the Lord and regularly taught them many life lessons. He would begin his lesson with “well boys I know one thing “ and the talk would begin. Buddy was a very hard worker and enjoyed teaching those around him. He was an electrician by trade and a proud 65 plus year member of the IBEW 558. He loved watching the Atlanta Braves as well as his grandchildren playing any kind of ball. Buddy also enjoyed traveling with his wife, LaDelle and friends, Rita and Wade Coker and B.G. and Brenda Staggs.
Pallbearers will be Dylan Johnston, Trey Johnston, Brady Johnston, Garrett Willis, Alex Willis, Lee Willis.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Jack Cochran.
Special thanks extended to Dr. Robert Mann, Dr. John Baron, and Alabama Hospice of the Shoals for their loving care of Buddy and a special thank you to his nurse Sherry Cochran for her expertise and kindness during his illness.
He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
