Obituary of David Enos Willis

David Enos Willis passed away of Alzheimer’s disease on January 15, 2022, in Olympia, Washington.  He was born February 5, 1956, to Enos Young Willis and Sylvia Utt in Bayshore, New York.

 

In 1972, David graduated from Glen A. Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights, California. As an ambitious youth, he immediately began working full time in a garden center.  He continued in the wholesale nursery business for the next 30+ years.  In 2006, he worked as a reverse mortgage specialist until 2017, when signs of Alzheimer’s necessitated his retirement. 

 

David married Rene Irene Robinson on May 26, 2007, in Olympia. He adored Rene and, their love was not only apparent but contagious. They were the perfect match and served God and people together as a team. They shared many great adventures together. Their favorite pastime was gardening in their own yard and making it their own retreat.

 

David was a giant of a man with a huge heart!  He loved people and always greeted everyone with a big smile and a friendly hello.  He was a man who loved to serve.  He would give you whatever you needed if he had it to give. David also experienced abundant joy serving with his church and community.  One of his greatest joys was leading his grandfather to Jesus.

 

He took on a major planning effort when he and Rene developed The Capital Vision Community Garden together.  It was a huge undertaking and brought so much joy to all.  Each year the garden shines in their community.

 

David loved baseball and followed the Mariner’s team for many years.  He and his best buddy, Marc Haas, went to many games together each year. 

 

David was a member of Capital Vision Christian Church, Hawks Prairie Rotary and Senior Action Network (SAN).

 

He is survived by his wife, Rene Willis of Olympia; sons, David Willis and Tony Willis, both of California; daughters, Vincie Luna (Daniel) and Lynn Twork (Christopher), both of California; stepdaughters, Tiffany Whetsel (Zachary) and Annie Rudin, both of Washington; six grandchildren; brother, Henry Willis (Stephanie); and sisters, Cyndi Egan (Patrick) and Jennie Hall (Ken).  For those he leaves behind, we are comforted by knowing we will see David again when we get to Heaven. 

 

Services will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Capital Vision Christian Church 1775 Yew Ave. NE, Olympia, WA 98506.

 

Memorial donations may be made to The Capital Vision Community Garden.  A swing will be set up in the garden to commemorate David.

 

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