Submit a PhotoEarl Ray Willis, 101, was called home after a brief illness on January 31, 2026 in Gilbert, Arizona. Known to relatives as Ray, he joined his wife of 58 years, Georgia to celebrate her 100th birthday. Left to carry on are his daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Robert, granddaughters Allyson and Jaclyn and two great-granddaughters Kelsey and Katelyn.
Earl was the last surviving plank member from the USS Richard B. Anderson. He served in the Naval Armed Guard during WWII and was recalled during the Korean action. Earl retired from Motorola after 43 years of perfect attendance. He loved life and was active until the end.
Services will be held on Tuesday, March 3, Rosary at 10am, Funeral Mass at 10:30am, St. Andrew Catholic Church 3450 W Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226. Military honors, 1pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the USS Richard B Anderson Association C/O Kent Phemister, 1907 Turf Club Dr., Arlington, TX 76017
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Dear Kathy, Bob, and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a constant in everyone’s lives as long as we have known you, and he was such a person of high standards.
May God comfort you all.
We were deeply saddened to learn of Earl’s passing. Earl was a plank owner in our Richard B Anderson Association and a cherished part of our reunion family. We enjoyed the many years he attended our annual reunions, and when he could no longer join us, it became a ritual for us, to call, check on him, and share a few moments together. Those conversations meant a great deal to all of us. Earl will be truly missed by his shipmates and friends. Please accept our sincerest condolences to you, Bob, and Kathy during this difficult time.
We were deeply saddened to learn of Earl’s passing. Earl was a plank owner in our Richard B Anderson Association and a cherished part of our reunion family. We enjoyed the many years he attended our annual reunions, and when he could no longer join us in person, it became a ritual for us to call, check on him, and share a few moments together. Those conversations meant a great deal to all of us. Earl will be truly missed by his shipmates and friends. Please accept our sincerest condolences to you, Bob, and Kathy during this difficult time.