Rick A. Willis

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.