Dennis Willis Obituary

Dennis D. Willis

April 20, 2026

JOHNSON CITY - Dennis D. Willis, 75, Johnson City passed away Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of Washington County and was a son of the late Joseph Raymond Willis Sr. and Rachel Cole Cave.

Dennis found great joy in life's simple pleasures, whether he was fishing with his sons and friends, tending to his yard, or enjoying family trips to the beach. A fan of the classics, he could often be found watching Gunsmoke or The Andy Griffith Show. He was happiest when his home was full, taking great pride in preparing festive holiday feasts for his family. He never met a stranger, especially on his travels, and his deep faith remained the cornerstone of his life; he began every morning with a prayer of gratitude for the gift of a new day.

Dennis coached Babe Ruth baseball with his dad and coached Basketball at Happy Valley Elementary School where he coached his sons. He worked as a supervisor from 1981 to 2001 at Jarl/Alcoa Corporation. Dennis retired from Holston Defense.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Connie Greenwell and a brother Joseph "Ray" Willis Jr.

Survivors include his loving wife, Donna Church Willis; his children, Tim Willis of Unicoi, Greg Willis of Johnson City, Denny Willis and wife, Sonja of Nashville and Matthew Wandel of Johnson City; three brothers, Ronnie Willis and wife, Scarlet, Steve Willis and Mike Willis; a sister, Donna Smith and husband, Doug; three grandchildren, Timothy Dylan Willis, Gavin Willis and Avery Willis; bonus grandchildren, Kristen Messina, Landon Wilson and Bree Torres; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Dennis will be conducted at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 25, 2026 in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City with his son, Rev. Denny B. Willis officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until the service hour. Graveside services will follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park at 2:00 PM. Pallbearers will be selected from the family and friends.

Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Arrangements by Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City. 423-928-2245