It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Lawrence (Larry) Jess Willis, 55, a resident of Sedro Woolley. Larry passed away Friday May 25, 2018 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle.
Larry was born on February 10, 1963, in Mount Vernon, Washington, the second child of Larry and Mary (Knutzen) Willis. He lived in Burlington for the first few years of his life before moving to Mount Vernon.
In his younger years, Larry played Little League baseball, followed later by slow pitch softball in the summer months and enjoying skiing in the winter. Summers were also spent picking strawberries for Mike and Jean's Berry Farm (eating more strawberries than he picked) and cucumbers for his Uncle, Mark Knutzen.
Larry graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1981. He made many great friends in high school and was a happy and sentimental guy who was always willing to lend a hand to a friend. After high school, Larry attended Bellingham Technical School, and in 1983, he and three high school friends joined the United States Marine Corp. He spent basic training in Camp Pendleton, California, followed by four years in various destinations such as Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, NAS Lemoore, California, along with journeys to various locations including the Philippines and his favorite, Thailand.
After his honorable discharge, Larry was employed by Waste Management for approximately 20 years. He then hit the road and until his passing worked for Ludtke Pacific Trucking as a long-haul and local truck driver, visiting most states along the way.
Larry married Karrie (Karshner) McCrea in November 1988. His firstborn, Logan, joined them in 1989, followed by his beloved daughter, McKenzie, in 1994. His love for his children was boundless and he was happiest when they were by his side. Larry and Karrie's union ended in 1999.
Larry later met and married Kelly (Reynolds) Willis on his 40th birthday in February 2003. They shared 15 years together, enjoying pastimes such as camping, motorcycle rides and time spent at the home they purchased in 2017.
Larry enjoyed many things and his easy laugh was a treasure to many. He had a deep love for country music, camping, seafood, the Seattle Seahawks, evenings spent by an outdoor fire and time relished with friends and family. One of Larry's favorite times was a period in the 90's when he volunteered as a pit crew member for his friend Brian Loy. Many weekdays were spent with friends, working on the car, followed by weekends spent racing and camping at Skagit Speedway. For a time period he was also a volunteer for the Burlington Fire Department.
Larry is survived by his wife, Kelly; his children, Logan Willis and McKenzie Burt (Chris); his grandchildren, Hayden and Carly Willis, sister and brother-in-law, Jodi Dynes (Mike); his nephew Matthew Dynes (Lisa); his nieces Molly and Delaney; his father, Larry Willis (Arlene) and in-in laws, Bob and Mary Reynolds. He is also survived by a large, extended Knutzen family.
He was proceeded in death by his mother, Mary "Sis" Knutzen in 1985, his uncles Terry and Dennis Knutzen, his grandparents, Iver and Mary Knutzen, and his beloved dog "Cody Man", whom he had dearly missed since his passing in March of this year.
Larry was an organ donor and his last gift was the ability to donate his corneas for the gift of sight. His daughter especially loved his beautiful blue eyes, so this was amazing news given at such a devasting time. Keep those baby blues sparkling in someone else's eyes Lar Bear!
At Larry's request, there will be no funeral. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Humane Society of Skagit Valley, as his love for animals was endless. He had recently spoken of wanting to adopt a new dog; therefore, the family is hopeful another family will be able to enjoy years of unconditional love from a pet.
Rest easy Lar, no pain. We love you, miss you, and will hold you in our hearts forever.