Lev Delos Willis Jr.'s Obituary
Lev Delos Willis Jr. escaped the bonds of mortal flesh the night of January 3, 2023. He slipped peacefully from this life in his own home surrounded by family. He was 86 years old.
Lev was born on February 15, 1936 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father sometimes joked that he received a Valentine gift one day late that year. He grew up in New Orleans in the Lakeview community, and later in old Metairie, graduating from Metairie High School.
Lev loved to study and learn, and earned degrees from Tulane University (BA) and Loyola University of New Orleans (MBA).
Following graduation from Tulane, Lev entered and successfully completed the rigorous Officers Candidate School, earning the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was proud of his officer commission and his service to the country in the military.
Among his many talents, Lev loved to sing, and he sang in many trios, quartets and ensembles over the years including the Golden Tones Trio and the Shepherd’s Four Quartet. He occasionally led church choirs, and did so with much passion. Above his love for singing was his desire to worship God and to bless others in song.
Lev was also a very talented writer, in which his creativity, clarity of thought, and mastery of language shined through. He shared with me a poem he wrote in grammar school that was so good, his teacher would not believe that he wrote it!
Lev was a dedicated businessman, contributing to the space program in the 1960s helping to send men to the moon and bring them back again safely. In later years, he rose early, driving a long commute to bring order out of chaos in the production planning department at the plant where he worked.
Lev was known for his sharp mind, wit and humor. His sense of humor had a way of endearing him to total strangers who would quickly fall for his charm and friendly demeanor. He made friends fast, and really never met a stranger. On one occasion he told me, “I speak to everybody, I don’t care if they speak to me or not”.
Lev loved travel and adventure. He and his wife enjoyed travelling across the states, visiting parks, and enjoying activities such as hiking and whitewater rafting. He loved the mountains and the beaches, and spent many days not just enjoying the outdoors, but immersing himself in them.
Lev loved sports, especially football. Although he lacked the size to play in high school and college, he was no less passionate about the sport as both an observer and a participant. Many Sunday afternoons would find him gathered with friends at City Park for friendly but competitive games of touch football.
He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and family man; a good provider and protector of his family, many times sacrificing his own wants and comfort for those he loved. His children would often consult him for wise counsel, advice, and comfort. He had a way of bringing clarity, peace, and a clear sense of direction to any situation.
Above all, Lev loved God. He loved studying the Bible, and had amazing insight on scripture. He especially enjoyed studying eschatology, and wrote a Biblically solid thesis on his beliefs relative to the rapture. He prayed for all of his family, taking their cares and troubles upon himself, not for worry, but to bring them before God in prayer and faith. He knew how to pray.
Lev was the son of Lev Delos Willis Sr. and Juanita Daughdrill Willis; brother of Yvonne Willis Lott and Diane Willis Wilson; loving husband of Arthemise Revere Willis; father of Keith Donald Willis and Cheryl Willis Wallace; and grandfather of Justin Daniel Barker and Brandon Scott Barker. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, his children, grandchildren, many nephews and nieces, and numerous friends. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Visitation at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place following the service at Revere Cemetery, Highway 1083, Bush, LA.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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