On May 18, 1959, the Lord blessed Evelyn Joyce Willis and Samuel Willis with a baby boy named Kirk Allen Willis. He also was nourished and loved by his father, Charlie Landerth. He was the middle of five children.

Kirk attended ECISD schools. He graduated with the proud Eagle class of 1978 from Ector High School. Kirk participated in many activities in high school, including the JROTC. He enjoyed class reunions and having fun with his classmates throughout the years.

Kirk was employed by TXU/Oncor Electric Companies. He began working immediately out of high school and was a faithful Lineman until his retirement in 2019, having worked for over 42 years for one employer. He was always ready to deploy as needed and assisted with catastrophic details such as Hurricane Katrina, the Oklahoma Ice Storm and many other natural disasters.

On March 2, 1985 he was united in Holy Matrimony to Mari L. Spivey. They enjoyed serving the Lord together, traveling, spending time with family and seeing the world. Oh, the places they went, the fun they had, and the stories they could tell. Mari was his faithful and loving caregiver, until death did they part. They welcomed their first beautiful daughter, Mariah Lynette, and a few years later, their family would add another beautiful daughter, Alisha Nicole. The family shared many unforgettable memories, including camping, traveling, and experiencing family adventures throughout Texas and beyond. He made it a point to visit the zoo in every town they visited, if one existed. The road trips via car, air, and train were always fun and made for awesome memories. They also spent time supporting the girls by traveling to all the sporting events and competitions they were involved in. Kirk and Mari instilled in the girls the love of the Lord and the importance of serving and service. He welcomed with joy and gratitude his son-in-love, LaDarius Slider. They shared many fun times together.

Of all the titles that could be bestowed on Kirk, “Paw Paw” was the one he truly was proud of. As “Paw Paw” to Nyla, Kayli, Kendi, and Gianna Slider, and Kaiser Strong, he made sure they knew they were welcome at the house at any time and the more junk food they wanted, the better for him. He also made sure that all was well with each one of them and joined them on many travel excursions.

Kirk received Christ at an early age. He loved the Lord and was always willing to help somebody along the way and to serve in any capacity that he could. He was lovingly known as the “Community Usher”, because he took ushering seriously and would lend his service wherever needed. Kirk faithfully served at the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, under the late Rev. J.W. Hanson, the Shiloh Baptist Church, under the late Rev. R.T. White, and at the St. James Baptist Church under the late Rev. R.T. McNeil and his current pastor, Rev. James Bolton. Kirk was ordained a deacon under the late Rev. R. T. McNeil. Kirk served faithfully at St. James until his health no longer allowed him to attend in person; however, he was in attendance online, when possible . He served in the following capacities: Sunday School Teacher, the Deacon Board Ministry, the Male Chorus, the Usher Ministry, and any area that he was needed in. He enjoyed singing “I Want to be a Follower of Christ” and “If I Can Help Somebody.” Other past community service/memberships included the Ector Lions Club, the BCCO. He was also a charter member of the newly formed Ector United Lions Club.

Kirk loved family gatherings and spending time with his siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, brothers-in-laws, and extended family. There was never a dull moment when he was in the midst.

Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, mother and father-in-law, his aunt, a brother-in-law and a sister-in law, cousins, a nephew and other loving family members, whom he will join in Heaven.

He leaves to cherish his memories, Mari Willis, his loving and faithful wife of 41 years, his daughters and son-in-love, Mariah Strong and Alisha Slider (LaDarius). His grandchildren: Nyla, Kayli, Kendi, and Gianna Slider and Kaiser Strong. His Godson, Ron’dre Smith. His Goddaughter, Jazayah Jackson. His brothers: Chester Willis (Kattie) Kenneth Landerth (Yolanda) and Clarence Cockerham (Jurlene). His sisters: Peggy Pierson (Sam) and Charlene Cleaver, brother-in- law, Eddy Spivey, “adopted” sons: Gaven Norris, Esq. (Candace) and Rev. Arvin Medlock (Raven) “adopted daughter”: Amye Elisabeth McNeil, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and many other loving family members and friends.

Special thanks to Kirk’s very special caregiver and family friend, Shay Quinones, who cared for him so wonderfully, words can’t express our gratitude to you. Thank you to our neighbors on 20th St; yall made sure that we had everything we needed throughout this journey. Thank you to Dr. Ronald Gibbons and staff and the staff at the Innovative Kidney Center, Dr. Kadir and his staff, Grace Andrade, PA, and Dr. Stockbridge and his staff. Thank you to Angels Home Health nurses: Gabby, Karis, and Naomi. Thank you to Angels Home Hospice nurse, Sasha. Thank you to Tac-Med Ambulance Service. Blessings and thanks to my 20th Street neighbors, you always made sure we were always okay in every way and. You all helped in ways only God could have known we needed.