Larry Darnell Willis I

Larry Darnell Willis was born in April of 1952, in Hattiesburg, MS. He was the third of six children and was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Eartha B. Willis, and one brother, Vincent Willis. Larry transitioned to his eternal rest on November 8, 2025, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. Larry grew up in Wiggins, MS, on John Willis Road in the Big Level Community. Larry’s life was shaped by the integration of Stone High School, and he graduated in one of the first integrated classes of the school in 1969. After high school, he attended William Carey University in Hattiesburg, where he earned a degree in sociology and a minor in English. Shortly after graduating, he met his wife, Maria, and their love story began. Larry married Dr. Maria Willis in January 1992, and to this union two children were born: Dr. Larry Darnell Willis II and Bridgette (Bailey) Willis. He enjoyed listening to music, hunting, fishing, visiting Wiggins, talking to his lifelong friends, and spending time with his wife and children. They spent time together discussing personal interests, watching science fiction, comedy, and old western movies. Their time together was also spent taking long car rides. Larry and Maria’s marriage was an example of true love, which he showed every day of their lives together. Dedicated to taking care of his family and encouraging his children, relatives, and friends to reach their fullest potential, he wholeheartedly supported their endeavors. Larry worked at Cooperative Energy for 48 years until his recent retirement. He enjoyed his career and the people he worked alongside. He was hired as a Junior Operator and held several operator and supervisory roles with his last being the Shift Supervisor at R.D. Morrow, Sr. Generating Station. Leaving the world his memory: a loving wife, Dr. Maria Willis; two children, Dr. Larry Willis II and Bridgette (Bailey) Willis; two brothers, Carl (Doris) Willis and Herman Willis; two sisters, Jondena (Stevon) Moore and Yette (Darryl) Tillman, and a host of other relatives and friends. Larry's wishes were to be cremated and buried in his family cemetery in Wiggins, which his family is proudly honoring. A graveside service will be held for Mr. Larry on Saturday, November 22, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am at John Willis Family Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Willis family, and we ask that you remember them often in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.