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Life story

" Reverend John Harrison Willis III, 85, resident of Fredericksburg, died peacefully at 8:55 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025 at H. H. Riverhouse. Eldest son of the late John Harrison Willis Jr. and Helen Burns Willis, he was born in Fredericksburg, and spent his formative years in Lignum and Culpeper. He had been living in Lynchburg, Virginia, since the early 1990s, before returning to Fredericksburg in 2020, precipitated by the Covid pandemic and health concerns.



He graduated from Culpeper High School in 1958, received the Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond in 1964, was ordained in 1966, received the Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973, and later attended Boston University from 1979-1981 for doctorate work. He pastored many church fields from the 1960s through the early 2000s, including Red Lane Baptist (Powhatan), Farnham Baptist (Farnham), Glade Baptist (Blacksburg), Calvary Baptist (Orange), Memorial Baptist (Louisa), Marshall Baptist (Marshall), and Lynch Station Baptist (Lynch Station). Early in his career he was also Minister of Music at Blue Ash Baptist (Blue Ash, Ohio) and Victory Memorial Baptist (Louisville, Kentucky), served with the Fort Knox military chaplains and worked in the field of juvenile rehabilitation in Anchorage, Kentucky.



In addition, from 1997-2007, he worked at B & B Presentations raising funds for the Fraternal Order of Police, and was one of their top fundraisers, because of his innate people skills as a clergyman. Later in his career, he assisted many churches as an interim or supply pastor, such as Randolph Memorial Baptist (Madison Heights) and The Plains Baptist (The Plains). After retiring, he volunteered much of his time ministering to those in nursing and retirement homes in the Lynchburg area, and enjoyed bringing his “Singspiration” Sunday music services to those who couldn't get out to church.



On December 3, 1966, he married the late Sandra Rowzie Willis of Amissville. He is survived by his son, Mark Rowzie Willis of Fredericksburg; his brother, Edward B. Willis, and wife JoAnne Willis of Lexington, Virginia; his sister Nancy W. Clayman, and husband Michael Clayman of Virginia Beach; three nephews, one niece, many cousins and extended family.



As a teenager, John won agricultural and livestock awards at multiple Virginia county and state 4H events- he was the 1958 Fredericksburg Fair junior division Grand Champion for his Angus heifer- and he discovered a lifelong love of music, specifically symphonic and liturgical. He sang in choral groups and played baritone horn in high school, university, and later in the Orange Tri-County Band with his wife, Sandra. Initially, he studied music at university in the aspiration of becoming a conductor and teacher, but was ultimately moved by the Holy Spirit to enter the ministry.



He kept a large garden for many years, and enjoyed playing softball with the church youth to keep them engaged after school. He was a longtime listener of NPR and PBS, and lifelong lover of books, bookstores, and libraries: used bookstores, especially. He always had a large collection of religious and classic literature, which he consistently referenced in his work as a minister. Later in life he finally entertained his interest with Civil War history, and amassed quite a collection, primarily about notable Virginians, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. He also very much enjoyed the writings of Jimmy Carter and Max Lucado. He loved movies, and thoroughly capitalized on the $1 Cinemark Theater that operated in Lynchburg for many years.



He was a gifted writer and deliverer of sermons, calling upon his past experiences of conducting and musical performance to bring his sermons to life: using cadence, dynamics, and movement to engage and edify his congregations. He connected and applied the scriptures to current events, revealing the power and prescience of the Word of God. He lived a life in service to God and to His children. John was at his best when ministering to others, whenever and wherever he was needed; whether church member or not, sick or bereaved, at home or a hospital. As a church member said, “He had a loving spirit, a desire to help all persons, and the ability to work with all people.”



While firm in his convictions, John was open-minded and sought throughout his life to expand his understanding and experience of God. To love one another, to forgive one another, and to accept one another were themes that echoed throughout his ministry and life, even if that meant speaking up in the face of controversy, especially during the Civil Rights era, and later the AIDS epidemic. In 1988 he traveled to South Korea to meet and speak with religious leaders there, and in the mid 1990's, he traveled with friends to Costa Rica, to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. In both instances, he revealed his continued commitment to helping those in need, no matter who or where they lived.



As he had expressed just a few years earlier, he was waiting for the Lord to call him home. A loving and supportive husband and father, with an easy smile, gentle manner, friendly greeting and encouraging word for friend or stranger, he will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved him. Having served with all his power, he now rejoices in his eternal reward and reunion for a faithful life and a job well-done.



A memorial service will be held at Yellow Branch Baptist Church, 8395 Wards Road, Rustburg, Virginia, on Saturday, Nov. 8. The family will receive friends at 2 p.m. The service will be at 3 p.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to H. H. Riverhouse, 100 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401, or the Centra Foundation, 1920 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501.



The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of H. H. Riverhouse and Medi Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care and support for the past



https://gofund.me/78224178







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