Al Duncan Willis

Al Duncan Willis passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, at his home in Davis. 

Born on July 6, 1943, in Harkers Island, Al was best known for his innate ability to make people laugh, his love for God, family, and friends, and his special love for Little Debbie Oatmeal cakes (sweet cakes), Dt Dr. Pepper & especially Chevrolets. 

Al is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary of Davis; children, Vicki Pittman of Smyrna, Al Jr. (Allison) of Bettie, Kimberly McKoy (Tony) of Tarheel, NC, and Brandon (Becky) of Davis. He was a proud grandfather to Cameron (Jocelyn), Christopher, Kayla (Sasha), Kaitlyn, Alex, Isaiah, and Beckett. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren. His legacy continues through his siblings, Fernie (Sue) of Davis, Darrell (Myrna) of Gloucester, and sister Nancy Willis of Otway, as well as a brother-in-law, Ellis Willis (Christy), and sisters-in-law, Pat Willis (Al) and Sharon Willis. Al was cherished by many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Duncan and Sophie Willis; brothers Jackie, Paul, and infant brother Terry Willis; in-laws Harold & Evelyn Willis; son-in-law Eric Pittman; brother-in-law Ray Willis; and sister-in-law Patsy Willis. 

Al always prided himself as “having saltwater in his veins”. His love for the water and commercial fishing ran deep. When it became difficult to provide for his family, he resumed his career at Cherry Point in Ground Support. He loved his job, took great pride in his work, and received several awards and certificates of recognition for outstanding performance. He also made great friends along the way. Never one to meet a stranger, Al had no trouble striking up a conversation with whomever he met. Al loved to joke and carry on, often times with the young boys about driving fast and squealing tires. He always loved fast cars and fast boats! Along with hunting, whether it was duck or deer, passing on that love to Al , Jr. In later years he resolved himself that deer hunting was better for him as duck hunting came with broken laws and big fines! Many evenings you could find him hunting more for his dogs than he had hunt for deer in the daytime! Al especially loved his time being part of Seagate Hunting Club. 

He formed great friendships and made awesome memories. He was even known to get a few naps in his truck while waiting for deer. Another favorite of Al’s was mullet fishing with Brandon. Most every day there were tales & laughter but it was always better & happier when the catch was bountiful! Al gave his heart to the Lord in 1990. He soon discovered a love for music and began to sing in the church choir at Davis Original Free Will Baptist Church. Shortly after, he became part of the gospel group from church, The Originals. He was also a member of the church softball league, where he took great pride in his role of coach and mentor to the younger players. During his years with the Davis Original Free Will Baptist Church, it was a time of sharing the gospel and fellowship with friends. A few years later, he begin attending Lighthouse Community Church in Stacy and eventually become part of the praise and worship team. Through all of this, Al believed in “being prepared” by practicing and always putting forth his best effort to show his love for the Lord. One of those ways was his love for his church and church family. Another was his distinct voice & his heart for worship which added a richness to songs that was easily detected. His all time favorite was singing the Lighthouse with his wife, Mary. Dementia may have robbed Al of present day activities, but it never took the memories of the past, people, and things that he loved. Al always knew where home was (Harkers Island) even though he had lived in Davis for 45 years. He loved his parents, children, grandchildren, great grands, siblings, In laws and most of all he loved Mary all day, every day! What a blessing that was for his family!! 

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, followed by the funeral service on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11:00 am. at Lighthouse Community Church, 2015 Hwy 70 in Stacy. There will be a streaming of the service available at www.noefs.net after the service is completed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lighthouse Community Church Food Pantry in memory of Al. Mailing address 229 Stacy Loop Rd, Stacy NC 28581. 

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

There are so many, that we, Al’s family, would like to thank for their love, care and concern for us over the past 5 years. To our friends and family, who have been here for us, words cannot express how much you mean to us. Your calls, visits, prayers and meals provided have been so appreciated.

Thank you to Dr. McCallum, Sabrina Boyt and staff at Carteret Medical Group for your great care of Al during his illness. 

Also special thanks to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for your care for Al and our family. You were such a timely blessing and we will be forever grateful for the dignity you showed him. 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary & Family 

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.