Obituary of Ronnie Lee Willis

Ronnie Lee Willis September 16, 1943 - November 09, 2016 Funeral services for Ronnie Lee Willis, 73, of Lovington, NM will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 10:00 am at 3rd and Central Church of Christ with David Stewart officiating. Burial will follow at Lovington Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. Ronnie was born in Lamesa, Texas on September 16, 1943 to A. J. and Hattie Belle (Leathers) Willis and passed away at his home on November 9, 2016. Ronnie had lived in Lovington on and off most of his life but permanently here since 1993. He married Pamela Tipton in Roswell, NM on January 20, 1989 and they have shared many years of life together. Ronnie had been employed in oilfield work all of his life and worked on rigs all over the world. He was a hard worker, a good provider for his family; and a loyal friend. He was a person who gave of himself, his time and money to others. He was a father by choice and a grandpa who was ornery and loved his children and grandchildren. The kids said he could be a little grumpy but he adored Pam, his kids and grandkids and they loved him unconditionally. Ronnie had a huge heart and he loved hard and well, and yes, he cheated at dominoes and cards so the grandkids could catch him at it but he was one of a “kind”. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Frank, Noah, J.W. and Billy and one sister: Neda Dickerson. Surviving him is his wife Pam of the home, two sons: Shannon Willis of Texas and Rick and wife Debbie Patterson of Horn Lake, MS.; three daughters: Tonya and husband J. R. McNeill of Rutherfordton, NC, Jennifer and husband Chris Hollingsworth of Big Spring, TX and Kelli and husband Ben Johnson of Livingston, TX; three sisters: Mary and husband Larry Brooker of Hobbs, Wilma Porter of Lovington and Alta Chenault of Hobbs; fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers, collect some ballcaps and drop off at 3rd & Central Church of Christ for the kids at the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home in Portales. This was one of Ronnie’s ways to give the kids some smiles and they loved it. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 14th from 11 am to 7 pm with family here between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.