COL Roy Ray Willis, (Ret.), 85, of Huntsville passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, at Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care.
Roy Willis was born in Sugartown, Louisiana to Frank and Laura Willis. He went to high school in Elizabeth, Louisiana and was Valedictorian of the Class of 1958. After graduating high school, he married Betty, his high school sweetheart. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University in 1964. He later continued his Education and earned a master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. In October of 1964 he enlisted in the United States Army and served until retiring in October of 1993. Following this, he took a Special Executive Service Position as a SES4 and served in that position until April of 1998. He then took a job as Vice President of Computer Science Corporation until 2001, and then as Vice President at Intergraph in 2001, retiring April of 2008.
During his military service he held several command and staff positions, including Commander of Holston Army Ammunition Plant and Toole Army Depot Complex. He also received various medals and awards, including the Legion of Merit and a Bronze Star.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard work, and spending time with his family.
Roy is survived by wife, Betty; children, Bruce, Bryan (Michelle) and Duane; grandchildren, Bryce, Bethany, Danielle, Haze, David, Alyssa, Tyde and Benjamin; great-grandchild, Roy; brothers, John Willis and IV Willis and wife, Nadara; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Roy was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Laura Willis; siblings, Lizzie (Clifton) Edwards, Ruth (Corbit) Doyle, Dollie (Jerry) Sweat and Nelda Willis.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Willowbrook Baptist Church. The service will follow at the church with Mark Smith officiating.
Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.
