Richard Wayne Willis - August 14, 1920 - July 21, 2011.
Dick passed away after fighting a courageous 2 year battle with leukemia. Born in Muscatine, Iowa to parents Jesse and Clint Willis, Dick was the middle of 3 strapping brothers. Dick graduated from the US Air Force Cadet Academy in 1941. His impressive aviation career spanned 4 decades; he piloted and instructed on nearly every aircraft from bi-planes to 747 jets. His piloting expertise included Air Force participation in WW2, US Air Force flight instructor, air assistance in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and 747 Captain w/ Pan American Airlines. Dick was an active and competitive sportsman throughout his life; and he never forgot to do his Air Force exercise every morning. Dick and Ginny moved to Oregon in 1988 to be closer to their family. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ginny; daughter, Nancy Robinson and her husband Mike of Corvallis; daughter Sandy Willis of Tigard; and son Gary Willis and his wife Sandi of Lake Oswego; 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandsons. Dick was best known for his love and devotion to his family; and his high moral character. He lived an honorable life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Interment will be at the Willamette National Cemetery with full military honors. A celebration of life was held at the First Presbyterian Church, McMinnville on August 5 @ 2pm.

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