"Tip was a great guy from a great family. All of the remaining Wheeler kids, who grew up a couple of houses away from Tip's grandmother send our heartfelt condolences to Tip's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. If there is anything we can do to help, pls let us know. Sincerely, Tim Wheeler"
In loving memory of
Randall 'Tip' T. Willis
June 10, 1955 - July 3, 2006
RANDALL 'TIP' WILLIS MUSCATINE, Iowa #45;- Randall T. 'Tip' Willis, 51, of Muscatine, died suddenly Monday, July 3, 2006, at Unity Hospital. Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2006, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 211 Walnut Street, Muscatine. The Reverend Betsy Lee and Reverend Don Sondrol will officiate the service. Private burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine. There will be no visitation and the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Muscatine Chapter of Ducks Unlimited or the Muscatine High School Football and Wrestling Programs. 'Tip' was born on June 10, 1955, in Muscatine, the son of Vernon H. 'Poke' and Patricia Tipton Willis. He married Teresa Freeman on May 24, 1986, in Muscatine. He was a graduate of the class of 1973 from Muscatine High School and also graduated from William Penn College. 'Tip' was owner of the V.H. Willis Company of Muscatine. He was a member of the Muscatine Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and worked on their annual banquets. He enjoyed hunting with his son and friends, riverboats, spending time with his family on the river and Towhead Island, and working on class projects with his daughter. Survivors include his wife, Teresa Willis of Muscatine; one son, Treaver Willis of Muscatine; one daughter, Terra Willis of Muscatine; his mother, Patricia Willis of Muscatine; one sister, Debra Elliott and husband, Keith, of Muscatine; nieces, Jessica, Katie, Bree and Courtney; nephews, Eric, Nick, Corey and Bryce; a great-nephew, Gavin; his father-in-law, Jack Freeman of Wilton; a brother-in-law, Mike Freeman and wife, Melissa, of Rochester; and a sister-in-law, Melissa Hummel and husband, Steve, of Kileen, Texas. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clint and Jessie Willis and Randall and Leila Tipton, his father Vernon H. 'Poke' Willis, and his mother-in-law, Pauline Freeman.
Tributes
"I was saddened to hear of Tip's sudden passing. We were on the wrestling team at MHS and graduated together with the class of 73. Every week he would let me beat him in wrestling until it came time for the actual competition to decide who would wrestle in the upcoming match. Then he always won, but never with a mean move. He had a great spirit. He will be missed."
"I am sadden to learn of Tip's death. I will fondly remember him and our years together at Trinity Church. Please know that I have you all in my prayers. May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace. Fr Rick"
"Teresa, Terra, & Treaver: Lou & I are in Minnesota with family & just went on line to check the Muskie news. Our hearts ache for you at this time. No words can express the love I saw between all members of your family during the moments shared while my hair was being cut. Your family is a role model for society. The deep respect & protection for each other was a snapshot of happiness. Strength comes from each other & God. Dennis & Lou Heiman"
"Deb,Keith and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I also graduated with Tip"
"Deepest sympathies to the family.... a friend in High School of the class of '73"
"I want to extend my deepest sympathy to both the Willis family and to the "Willis Company family" and wish you courage and strength in the days to come. In nearly 20 years as a business partner the V H WILLIS Co has shown only professionalism,honesty,and dignity to me.Tip's leadership and influence will be greatly missed ,I'm sure."
"Sorry to hear of your lose are thoughts and prayers are with you. sincerly, The Beauchamps tkdbba "
"We are all so sorry for your loss. Tip was a great man and wonderful person. He will be missed. Please know that you are all in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. With love, Tim, Marci, Mike and Jeff Oates"
"Please accept my condolences at the passing of Tip. He was a kind and generous friend to me during our time at MHS, and he will be sorely missed by his many friends."
"Teresa, Terra and Treaver, May you find strength in God during this most difficult time. We will never forget the many happy times we've shared with you and Tip. You are in our prayers."
"Pat and Deb, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us". You are both very strong people and an inspiration to us all. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Let me and or the church know if there's anything we can do."
"Dear Teresa and kids ~ We were just so sad to hear of your loss. We recently moved to Iowa City and just found out. Our prayers are with your family as you go through this difficult time. Love, Prayers and Sympathy, Peg and Gary"
"We will miss Tip very much. He was fun to be around and always had a great disposition. He was also excellent at what he did and always very professional. I have known him for almost twenty years and considered him a friend. He will be missed by everyone here at Schrock Lumber and by many of our contractors that asked for him by name on a regular basis. Our prayers are with you all. Kenton Klenk Schrock Lumber Co."
"DEAR WILLIS FAMILY, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU. TIP WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH OUR TIME TOGETHER AS FRATERNITY BROTHERS AND ROOMMATES AT WILLIAM PENN COLLEGE. HE WILL BE MISSED! I LOVE YOU MY FRIEND. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAZE"
"I am very sorry to hear of Tip's passing. Tip was a great influence in my life. He gave me an opportunity to learn a great deal in the 11 years I worked with him. He was a great teacher, mentor, and friend. Tip will be greatly missed by all of those whose life he touched and influenced in his lifetime. With deepest sympathy Wendy Shield"
""
"Polly and I would like to offer our sympathy especially to Deb Elliot and Pat Willis. We had Tip come over to our house to measure for the kitchen counter top and he did such a beautiful job. I will be reminded of him often, and by the quality of work that his business did. We also enjoyed the fellowship of the whole Willis family at Trinity. Bruce and Polly."
"I can not imagine the sense of loss you are feeling. I hope in some small way that the fond memories that the black belts at TKDBBA are sharing with the newer students about Tip, are bringing smiles to our faces and appreciation for him."
"Our deepest sympathies and continued prayers are with the Willis family during this very difficult time. (Coach) Chris & Anne Thomas"
"Teresa and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers. I pray for your heart to be comforted by God's peace and mercy in the midst of this painful time."
"Teresa and family, I am shocked and saddened to read of Tip's untimely death. Please know that you are all in my prayers and will continue to be so. May God bless you and give you peace. Joe Beckey"
"MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE WILL TRULEY BE MISSED BY MANY."
"So sorry to hear of your loss, it was a shock to all of us. May God be with you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prays are with you. Carl, Kae Rudolph, Evan and Meghan Reichert"
"You will be missed by many who not only likes you but loved you.Your new home is forever now. GEO"
"I very much enjoyed the time I spent with Tip measuring counter tops and just chatting. My deepest sympathy to Pat, Teresa and the kids. Bob Yerington"
"TO THE FAMILY OF TIP, I WAS VERY SAD TO HEAR THAT TIP HAS PASSED AWAY. HE WAS ALWAYS A VERY KIND PERSON TO ME. WHENEVER I SPOKE WITH HIM ABOUT WHAT EVER BUSINESS NEEDS I HAD AT THE TIME HE WAS ALWAYS VERY EAGER TO HELP AND ALWAYS FILLED ALL OF MY CUSTOMER NEEDS IN A VERY CHEERFUL AND PROFESSIONAL MANNER. MAY HE NOW REST IN PEACE WITH THE LORD AND GOD BE WITH ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THIS TIME OF NEED.I WILL KEEP HIM IN MY PRAYERS. CINDY VERSLUIS"
"The Willis families are in my thoughts and prayers. Tip was always such a thoughful friend with such a happy outlook on everything we did. He was a great classmate from grade school all the way through high school and a fantastic team mate on our football team. I'll always remember our days playing football in Weed Park as neighborhood kids, and then sharing camping trips on TowHead during the summers. Tip will be missed-may God watch over his family."
"Dear Deb, Keith, Eric, Nick and Katie, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother and Uncle. We don't know of any words that can help your greif, but as your friends, we will stand by you and you can count on us at this time! Please call if you need anything, you are in our thoughts and prayers daily! With love, Jerry, Diane, Jake & family, Ryan, and Amy"
"We are so sorry for your loss. Tip was a great boss and friend. The conversations and stories about hunting will always be remembered. Darren and Ellen Abney"
"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Tip's passing. He was a great friend for over 25 years. I always enjoyed joking and talking with Tip when our paths crossed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Willis family and also the Elliotts. Kim, Gina, Mark & Melissa Carstens"
"As a fraternity brother of TIPS at William Penn College, I had the great pleasure of spending time with him when he came back to visit as an Alumni brother. Everybody loved "TIP". He was brother that we all respected and looked up to. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. God Bless You All."
"This is unbelievable news and such a tragedy. Teresa, I know that you're a strong person and that you will get through this situation. I just want you to know that my heart and my prayers are with you, Tara, and Trevor. God Bless."
"I would like to express my deepest sympathies. I knew Tip from William Penn and I was proud to be a brother in the same fraternity. He was always a man with a big heart and great humor. We will all miss him greatly."
"Our sincere sympathy to all of you, my memories of Tip at M.H.S. are all good ones, he was a swell guy. Terri and Greg Wiese and family."
"Deb, Keith & Family Shocked to hear the tragedy about Tip. May God help keep your family strong through these tough times. Our thoughts are with you Deb, and with your family..."
"Teresa, Terra, and Treaver - My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tip was a great man giving of his time and talents to many people. May God watch over you at this time and give you comfort."
"Teresa, It is difficult to know what to say...perhaps knowing how much everyone cares will help carry you through this awful time. Please know that you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Teresa,Tarra and Trevar...our thoughts and prayers are with you. We didn't know Tip well but Jay always said "If Tip says he will do something...it would be done". May God give you strength in the days ahead."
""
"Tip will be truely missed...not only by us personally, but by everyone he touched at TKDBBA. He was a roll model and mentor to so many young people, always giving of himself without hesitation. Please know how much we love Tip and everything he stands for. He is one of our own. Anything we can do...always. With affection and admiration..Steve and Terri"
"Teresa and family, It is from the very bottom of my heart that I send my sympathy. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Teresa, I'm so very sorry that I will not be able to attend the funeral service. But, please if there is anything I can do for you...don't hesitate to call. I pray that God embraces you, Terra, Trevor, and the entire family with His love and brings you all the strength that you will need. With love and sincere concern, Joleen"
"Dear Deb and family, I have no words that will help - I wish I did. From the sound of the other greetings listed here on the web, Tip's death must have been very sudden and unexpected. You will each miss him in your own way - and to be connected in the business, too, is going to be an extra difficult loss. I'm so sorry for you - I wish I could help ease this pain. Please give your Mom a hug for me. I would like to give her and you a hug in person. Love, Kristy and Bill Mather"
"Deb and Keith So sorry to hear about Tip. I do have a memory to share that you probably don't know about. Tip used to drive by my house in that pink and white car with John Jenkins. They would keep cruising by until I came out. We would sit in the car and listen to music for hours and just talk. He was a great big teddy bear of a guy who never had much to say but a great sense of humor that he would demonstrate with a zinger every now and then. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Tip's mom and his family."
"Teresa, Terra and Treavor We are so sorry to hear about Tip. We were very fortunate to have met him and the three of you when we first moved to Muscatine. He was a kind man and good neighbor. We are praying for strength and comfort for the three of you today and the days to come."
"Teresa, Tara, and Trevor, Please know you are in our prayers and constant thoughts. We couldn't believe it when we heard of your devistating loss. We pray that God will hold you in his comforting arms and that you will know that He will help you face each tomorrow. Gary is still in hospital, but I'll see you soon. Gary and Sandy"
"Dear Deb and Willis family; So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Scott seemed to be in shock as we spoke on the phone. Tip and Scott had been a little like "Tom and Huck" on the Mississippi River, it seemed, when they were kids. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May your memories bring you comfort."
"Teresa, Terra & Treaver, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Love and prayers, Krista and family"
"Sorry to learn of Tip's passing. Doesn't seem possible that anything could slow Tipper down -- a big man with a big heart. Can still see him in a Muskie football uniform and hear his Dad yelling at us from the bleachers on a Friday night. Gail and I send our best to Teresa & family and Deb & family. I will always think of him when I see TowHead Island."
"He will be greatly missed--you are all in our thoughts and prayers"
"Teresa, Terra and Treaver, Our thoughts are with you and your family. We are here for you anytime you need us. Larry & Jo Ann Carlson Lois Cordwell"