James Willis, Jr.

James Daniel Willis, Jr. 83 of Altha, passed away September 20, 2025, peacefully at home in Altha. James was an over the road truck driver for close to sixty years. He loved every minute and the millions of miles behind the wheel of the big trucks. Up until the very end he could tell you every road across the United States.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Willis; his parents James Sr. and Minnie Willis and his only sibling, Carl Wayne Willis.

Survivors include his children with his first wife, Mary E., James Daniel Willis III and wife Stacey of Waco, TX, Carol Ray and husband Steve of Arabi, GA, Tina Willis and husband Frank of King George, VA, Ben Willis and wife Angie of Panama City along with children from his second wife Mary R., Linda Dean and husband Thurman and Jason Johnson and wife Marie all of Chatsworth, GA. Ten Grandchildren, Kayla Colten, Sarah Anderson, Melissa Willis, Tristian Barronton, Courtney Gardiner, Nicki Willis, Brittany Rogers, Leah Henderson, Cassie Hewitt and Tiffany Fields. He also leaves twenty five great grandchildren plus many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His last wishes were to be cremated with his ashes spread in the Chipola River at the Willis Bridge. The family will host an open house at a later date.

A special thanks to Emerald Coast Hospice for all their care and compassion as well as a very special thank you to hospice nurse Bonita Barbee for her love, devotion and exemplary care of our family during this hospice journey.