Rick A. Willis
April 29, 1953 ~ February 4, 2022
Rick A. Willis, 68, of Greenwood, passed away on February 4, 2022, at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis. He was born on April 29, 1953, in Indianapolis to the late Columbus and Lois (Leighty) Willis. On June 26, 1976, Rick wed Sandra L. “Sandie” Garraux in Christ Cumberland Presbyterian church. The pair met in Sunday school at the church when they were in 5th grade.
Rick attended Southport High School and then graduated his senior year from Emmerich Manual High School in the class of 1971. He began work right away at Chrysler alongside his father, while also serving part-time as a deputy on the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.
Dedicated to his work, Rick worked as a quality control supervisor for Rolls Royce in Indianapolis for a number of years. With retirement on the horizon, Rick took on a position in this same role at Eli Lilly. Rick retired after nearly 50 years in the workforce. He worked very hard his entire career and was always successful due to his work ethic, focus, and brilliance.
In his retirement, Rick enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. He was an avid golfer and was a part of a senior men’s league at Winding River golf course most recently. Bird watching, trips to the firing range, maintaining his home, yard, and koi pond were all very important to Rick. He could occasionally be found playing a game on his X-box or watching an old western just as easily as he could be found around his fire-pit or in his new barn entertaining friends and family.
A faithful man, Rick prayed every night. He was a member of Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church nearly all his life. A loyal and dependable man, Rick always met you with a firm and honest handshake. He was known to be fearless, and many knew him by his quote, “This is the way.” Funny, loving, and kind are all notable characteristics of Rick. Above all, he was a tremendously good husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will remain with his loved ones every day in every way.
Rick’s parents, Columbus and Lois (Leighty) Willis preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Sandie Willis; his children, Courtney (Steve) Nienaber and Ashley (Danielle) Willis; his precious grandchildren, Ciarra and Cienna Hiatt, and Emma Nienaber; cousin, DeWitt Willis; a host of nieces and nephews.
Rick’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 3:30 to 6:00 PM in the chapel at O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. The funeral service will begin at the conclusion of the visitation on Wednesday evening in the funeral home at 6:00 PM. Final care and cremation arrangements are entrusted to O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or sign the online guest registry.
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Captain Rick, as I called him, was truly a great person. He was like an Eagle, king of the birds- independent, strong, laser focused and fearless. He taught me many things over the years at his fish pond, firepit and most recent barn. We will truly miss him in our neighborhood and culdesac! God bless captain. Rest In Peace!
When your kindness changes lives, what better testament to a life well-lived. My mentor, my brother, my friend RIP.
We really enjoyed having Rick in our Senior Men’s Golf League. Our condolences to all of his family and friends. He will be missed. Ron Richardson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Winding River Senior Men’s Golf League
I remember sitting close to Rick in Algebra. I had to pay attention because I wasn’t as smart as he was. But he always tried to make me laugh with his dry sense of humor. Hugs to Sandie and family. He will be missed.
Ashley, we are so sorry for your loss and we’re keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Lana’s Uncle Rick. Condolences to all the family members he so greatly loved.
My Dad was strong, funny, patient and kind. Most of all he was loyal. He loved my mother and her happiness. He took good care of her and great care of my sister and I. Most of all I pray she finds some peace. Dad. Ashley, Danielle and I will take good care of her. Rest In Peace.
Rick was a mentor to me growing up and a life-long friend. I remember the many hours of video game playing, many hours spent rebuilding engines and learning new skills in his garage. Rick even got me my first job at Pasquale’s. I’ve never met anyone with so much love for his family and friends, he was truly selfless. He departed this world way to soon but I will continue to cherish all the great memories forever. He was a profound influence on me and for that I’m eternally grateful. Rest In Peace my good friend.
Rick had a kind sole. I remember spending summers with him, Sandie, and the girls traveling around softball tournaments. He could always make you laugh and you certainly felt the love and pride he had for his daughters. He will be missed by many….So sorry for your loss… Donna & Charlie Leimgruber
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
We are so sorry for your loss,
We are so sorry for your loss, and we are thinking of all of you in this difficult time.
Dear Mrs. Willis, I just learned of Rick’s passing late this evening and obviously it was too late to make the visitation. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I worked with Rick at Precision Products back in the early to mid-nineties. Rick was one of the most meticulous people that I have ever met. Whenever I brought jobs into the shop, I was always confident that he would always get the job done with professionalism. I will never forget on of the phrases that he used when dealing with the customers and it was that he was always pursuing “a win, win” for both the customer and the company. I bumped into Rick about a year ago and had a pleasant conversation with him. We talked about your family and mine and how I was doing since I went into teaching back in ’96. I was thrilled that he discovered the game of golf since I had been coaching the game for the last 20 years. When the subject of golf came up, I could see that he was as passionate about it as he was his family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers over the days and weeks ahead. May the peace of God be with you and your family. Sincerely Yours, Jim Williams
Always look back fondly on the days Rick and I coached together, great guy! Our thoughts are with you from afar. All our love. Dave and Jeanne Quinn