In loving memory of Robert Neal Willis, Jr.

Obituary

Robert Neal Willis, Jr, 75, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on January 21.

Known to everyone as Bob, he was born February 3, 1945, to Neal and Dorothy Willis, their first of three children. He spent his early years travelling to various locations around the country, before graduating from Morrisville High School in 1962, where he was an accomplished student and a varsity letterman in baseball, football, basketball, and track.

He served in the Navy and was a Viet Nam veteran. While stationed in the Philippines in 1969, he met Heidi Ramage and was immediately smitten. After a whirlwind relationship, they were married in Olongapo City, Philippines on July 9, 1970, and were married through the remainder of his life. They had three children together; Kevin, Kimberly, and Keri.

After the Navy, Bob graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in math. He kicked off his 30-year career as an actuary with Berkshire Life Insurance. In 1983, he joined Phoenix Home Life, where he became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. He would spend the next 20 years at Phoenix before retiring in 2003 as a vice president.

In retirement, Bob and Heidi moved to a golf community in Ocala, Florida. Even in retirement, Bob never lost his competitive spirit. He was excellent at billiards and bowling and enjoyed golf, as well. He scored a hole-in-one in 2010, at the age of 65.

His biggest pride and joy was his family. He was a doting husband to Heidi and a loving father to his children and grandchildren, of which he had eight. His favorite times were those with his family. His infinite patience and extreme generosity were felt by his entire family, especially his grandchildren.

He was universally liked. He was intelligent without being condescending. He was kind without being overbearing. He would do anything for anyone who asked, including travelling long distances and extending stays to make sure he would be available for everything his family needed. He never asked for anything in return.

He was predeceased by his parents, Neal and Dorothy, and his sister, Christine. He is survived by his wife, Heidi, their three children; Kevin, Kimberly, and Keri, their eight grandchildren; Brady, Gabriella, Kaya, Elias, Ethan, Grayson, Sienna, and Sloane, and by his brother, Richard.

There is no memorial service planned at this time. Please feel free to send condolences on this page.

Arrangements by Baldwin Brothers Funerals & Cremations 11250 SW 93rd Ct. Rd. Ocala, FL 352-236-7813.