John Dewey Willis

1936 - 2017

John Dewey Willis obituary, 1936-2017

BORN

1936

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Cotten Funeral Home

2201 Neuse Blvd

New Bern, North Carolina

John Willis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 15, 2017.

John Dewey Willis passed away May 14, 2017, at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina. He died on his birthday that he shares with his wife. A native of Craven County, he was born May 14, 1936, to the late Errell Dewey and Lena Ipock Willis.

After attending Bridgeton School and New Bern High School in 1954, he served in the Army and returned to work at Ives Oil Company for 30 years. He also worked at A.J. Ballard Oil Company and Craven County Board of Education.

John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and taught them to drive at early ages. He loved the outdoors and made memories crabbing and telling them the important things they need to know in life.

He loved his family and was a friend to all he encountered. He always had something funny to say.

John is survived by his wife Barbara of 60 years; son John D. Willis, II (Joanne); daughter Wanda Willis Goodson (Broughton); grandchildren Jessica Willis, John Willis, III, Broughton Goodson, II and Benjamin Willis Goodson. Also surviving are his sisters Marguerite Fadler (Bob) and Marie Lansche; sister-in-laws Joy Sutton and Marie Wetherington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18 at Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Greenleaf Memorial Park.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Willis

Sponsored by Cotten Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of John?

Share a favorite memory you have of John.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with John.

Describe a time when John made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about John?

Talk about a shared experience you had with John.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of John.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving John.

What is something you learned from John?

Not sure what to say?

6 Entries

May 31, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4

May 18, 2017

Tommy and Linda Gaskins

Tommy and I are saddened to hear of John Dewey's passing. He was a good neighbor and a very kind man. He was loved and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

May 18, 2017

Sending all of you love, peace and strength during this time and days to come.

Staff at Coastal Insurance, New Bern,

May 17, 2017

Linda Edwards Chandler

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

May 17, 2017

Casey Parnell

We send you thoughts of peace and courage.

May 17, 2017

Eddie & Jennifer Toler

Barbara and family; we were sorry to hear of John Dewey's death. He was an inspiration to so many people, us included. He always had a smile and kind words to share. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers that God will give you comfort and strength during this difficult times and in the days ahead. Look at the many, many memories you have made and reflect on them often.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in John Willis's name

Memorial Events
for John Willis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Cotten Funeral Home

2201 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Willis's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more