Harold "Wayne" Willis

Harold “Wayne” Willis, 80 of Beaufort, SC, passed away on Sunday, March 17th at his daughter’s residence in Richlands with his family beside him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 1-2 PM at the Port Royal Baptist Church with Funeral Services starting at 2PM. Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Beaufort National Cemetery.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. With the heart of a patriot, he firmly believed and sacrificed for God and Country. While serving he earned many honors, medals, and decorations to include; Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation with Star, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, Bronze Pistol Badge, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation with Device. After his time in the Corps, Wayne spent over thirty years working as an avionics mechanics instructor at Flightsafety International.

Wayne was known for his unwavering love and devotion to his family. As a father, he was a pillar of strength and guidance, always striving to put his family first. He cherished his role as a husband, offering constant support and encouragement to his beloved wife. As a Papa, he showered his grandchildren with love, wisdom, and laughter, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. His three other loves were planes, trains, and guns. Wayne had a passion for photography that allowed many beautiful moments to be captured with each image holding special memories that will be treasured forever.

A devout Christian, Wayne, lived his life with faith, kindness, and compassion. He was actively involved in his church community, spreading love whenever possible. His strong faith was a guiding light for many, inspiring others to live a life of purpose and goodness.

Wayne is preceded in death by his son David Wayne Willis, mother Helen Gertrude Willis, father Troy Willis, and sister Sue Cozad.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 42 years Dorothy Willis; daughters Karen Rhodes (Dennis) of Richlands, NC and Lisa Eudaly of FL; son Claude Robinson (Lee) of Thompson, GA; grandchildren Leah Quinn (Chris), Jana Dougherty (Mike Hubel), Price Robinson, and Mariah Robinson; great grandchildren Ayden Quinn, Raegan Quinn, and Abel Dougherty; brother Keith Willis (Tami) of Hamilton, OH; and sister Wanda Marshall (Chris) of Hamilton, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Port Royal Baptist Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, or Tidal Creek Fellowship.