Michael "Mike" Willis, 71, of Bradenton, Florida passed away peacefully on September 8, 2022, after a brief illness.
Mike was born in Moultrie, Georgia, and moved to Lakeland, Florida at the age of seven after his father, the late Russell Willis, was transferred to Florida for a job opportunity. He is also predeceased by his mother, Gerry (White) Willis.
He leaves behind his cherished wife, Pam; his son Chris of Seminole, FL, of whom he was very proud of. As well as brother David Willis and his wife Brenda Willis, of Bishop, Georgia. In addition, he leaves brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael and Betty Sheehan of Prescott Valley, Arizona; Brian and Lynne Sheehan of Reading, MA.; Tim and Laurie Sheehan, Reading, MA.; Theresa Sheehan Starkey and husband Steve; Pat (Pook) Sheehan and wife Carolyn; Kate Sheehan Seagraves and Eileen Sheehan; Nicholas and husband Mark all of Raleigh, North Carolina. Dear nieces and nephews, Kyle and Brie Willis, Matthew Gilbreath, Audrey and Alex Sheehan, Pat (wife Alba) and Mike Sheehan, Ali and Shelly Starkey, Kelsey, Dari, and Josh Sheehan, Jack and Jake Seagraves, Sasha Nicholas and great niece Sofia Ramos Sheehan. He also leaves life-long friends, Ronnie Griggs, Terry Cannon, and Henry Tucker whose friendship he truly cherished.
After graduation from Lakeland High School, Mike attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida. After graduation, he began his long career as a corporate pilot logging 22,000 hours over his forty-year career and retiring as Chief Pilot for Phillips and Jordan Construction of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Mike knew he wanted to fly from the time he was a child and absolutely loved his work, Mike thoroughly enjoyed his retirement, fishing and boating from his own dock with son Chris, playing golf, traveling with his wife, entertaining friends and family, sitting on his dock enjoying the sunsets with his wife Pam. Anyone who was his friend was truly blessed.
A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. with a Service at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207.
Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com
