We are honored that the family of William Lee "Skip" Willis has invited the PGR to honor our friend and brother for his military service as he receives his final honors.
It is with heavy hearts and teary eyes that we announce the peaceful passing of William Lee “Skip” Willis, of natural causes at his residence in Ridgecrest, California, during the early morning hours of April 14, 2021. Bill was born on December 7, 1946, to Lenora and Thead Willis, in Tehachapi, California.
In 1963 Bill joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 20 years, which included numerous deployments to Vietnam. In 1983 Bill, retired from the Navy at the rank of AME1 and continued supporting the military as a contractor at the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake in California. Bill retired after 30 more years as a Management Supervisor for AECOM.
Bill enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, golfing, welding, motorcycles, and ham radio. He also couldn’t pass up a good garage sale.
Bill, whom his family affectionately called “Skip” or “Skipper”, will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, along with his dedication to his family. Not many families would say their husband or father was a clown but we can. Skip loved to put on his clown shoes and volunteered at the Ridgecrest Hospital brightening people’s days.
Skip was also an avid motorcycle rider and member of the Patriot Guard Riders as well as the American Legion Riders. He volunteered his time and service giving back to fallen veterans attending numerous funerals, honoring their service to our country.
Skip will be sadly and sorely missed by his loving family and friends.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Juanita of 52 years, son Eliott, daughter Gwynn, sisters Linda and Eve, son-in-law Jeff, daughter-in-law Becky, and granddaughters Heidi and Kayla.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery approx 89 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
**NOTES** While at the cemetery we will need to conform to ALL COVID 19 Protocols set by the Cemetery, social distancing of 6 feet and wearing of the mask is a requirement while on Cemetery grounds.
Please bring your mask, flags for flag line and plenty of water. Also, if you CB Communication capability please bring that as well.TIME TABLE FOR WEDNESDAY, 21 APRIL 21:0850 - STAGE Holland and Lyons Mortuary 216 S. Norma St. Ridgecrest, Ca 93555
https://goo.gl/maps/DLfajYCC8XQdAiqPA0900 - MISSION BRIEF
0915 - FLAG LINE for dignified transfer of HERO from mortuary to coach
0930 - KSU for accompany to Bakersfield National Cemetery 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin CA 93203
https://goo.gl/maps/Tab8fwjPBCudN6MR8 (approx 89 miles)
1130 - EST ARRIVAL at BNC Staging area Standby appointment time is 1230
1225 - MOVE to committal area for Military HONORS
1300 - EST MISSION COMPLETE.
R/C Scoti Tomlinson
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainIWV Patriot Guard Riders
(760)499-4950
tomlinsonscot@yahoo.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this is your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed by the Ride Captain(R/C). Dress for motorcycle riding or casually if you are in a car (cage). No shorts or other inappropriate attire.
