Paul F. Willis, Sr., 99, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at The Newport Convalescent Center. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1984 where he worked in the Power House as an Operational Engineer. Paul was a World War II Army veteran who served under General Patton. He always said he was one of the “Patton Boys” and served through four major engagements and The Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of Bremond Lodge No. 240 in Newport News since 1984, and also a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Paul loved bird hunting, raising hunting dogs, and gardening. He was a masterful storyteller and enjoyed telling a good joke.

Paul was preceded in death by his wives, Gladys (2000) and Jackie (2017); parents, Linwood and Sue Willis; and brothers, Lenny, Lewis, and Garrett Willis. He is survived by his son, Paul F. Willis, Jr. (Maggie); step-son, Bill Mullins (Toni); grandchildren, Laurie Morgan (Tim), Courtney Hessick (Jim), Ron Campbell (Holly), and Nancy Kast (Darrin); great-grandchildren, Colin Morgan, Emily Morgan, Madalyn Hessick, Joshua Kast (Mariah), and Delaney Kast; sisters, Sue Wilson and Margie Sears (Robert); and special friend, Patty Brown.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Boulevard, in Newport News. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 1, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church.