Robert (Bob) James Willis

The family of Robert (Bob) James Willis, 71, of Pittsboro, NC is sad to announce that he lost his fight with cancer on November 10, 2024. However we are eternally grateful that his transition from this life to the next was a peaceful one. Bob was born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky to Nicholas and Jane Willis. He spent his early years in Kentucky, Germany, and Pennsylvania until his father retired from the army and settled in Tryon, North Carolina.

Bob attained the level of Eagle Scout and graduated from Tryon High School where he was an honor student and star football player - #50! He received his undergraduate degree from Haverford College in Pennsylvania and went on to receive his law degree from UNC at Chapel Hill. Bob loved spending time with his family, loved to travel, hike, dance and read, was an avid sports enthusiast and animal lover, enjoyed discussing politics, and particularly loved Russian and Blues music as well as singing in the church choir.

Bob was a passionate legal advocate representing workers from all walks of life. His fluency in Spanish and Russian aided him in these efforts. He proudly served as council for the Farm Labor Organizing Committee for more than twenty years.

Bob will be remembered fondly for his dry wit, unrelenting intellect, and sense of dedication and commitment to those with whom he worked, whom he represented, and whom he called his friends.

Bob is survived by his wife of 35 years, Becky Norman. He is also survived by his brother John (Nancy), his brother Bill (Mary Lynn), his sister Barbara, and his brother Jerry. He is also survived by his nieces Janna, Elizabeth (Danny), Caroline (Oskar), and nephew, Jacob and his great-nephew, Nico. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and niece, Nicole.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church on Saturday the 23rd of November at 3:30 p.m. with internment following in the cemetery. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held afterward in the Parish Hall. You can also participate in the ceremony through live streaming at https://www.youtube.com/@saintbarts.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the entire oncology team at UNC Hillsborough, UNC Hospice, the staff at Seniors Helping Seniors as well as his friends and family who supported him throughout his cancer journey.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 204 W. Salisbury Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312 or Campaign for Migrant Worker Justice, at 1221 Broadway Street, Toledo, Ohio, 43609.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Willis family.