Hubert Douglas Willis, Sr., 90, of Fernandina Beach passed away Monday, November 14, 2022 at the Warner Center for Caring.

He was born in Washington, DC and was a son of the late William H. and Theresa Hill Willis. He grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He graduated from Smyrna High School where he played baseball and helped his father and their family on their shrimp boats. As a young man he shrimped and fished for pogie from the Outer Banks down to Fernandina Beach.

After high school, he joined the U. S. Navy. He was stationed at various assignments during his time in the Navy including San Diego and Hawaii. His Navy service would eventually lead him into his long-time career with the Department of Defense. He also attended Rollins Business College.

While in Fernandina one time, he met Beverly Skipper and they were married in 1956. Their marriage would last some 55 years. After working as an insurance agent, he moved to Washington, DC where he went to work with the Department of Defense including working in the Forrestal Building. His duties with the Department of Defense carried him to many places in the United States and across the globe including such varied places as Montgomery, AL and the Panama Canal Zone. Eventually, he was able to be assigned to Jacksonville and was able to “come home” to Fernandina Beach. He retired in 1989.

After retirement he worked as a Bus Driver for Amelia Island Care Center for a number of years and eventually became the Administrator there. In earlier years, he became a Mason while in the Canal Zone. After moving back to in Fernandina Beach he was a member of Amelia Lodge, the Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star and served on the Board of the Rainbow Girls. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, the same church where he and Beverly were married. He, along with his son, Todd, helped coach his grandson’s baseball teams.

He was predeceased by his wife, Beverly, in 2011, a son, Hubert Douglas Willis, Jr. in 2020 and daughter in law, Suzanne in 2021.

He leaves behind his children, Skipper Willis and Todd Willis, both of Fernandina Beach and Suzi Willis of Yulee; his beloved grandsons, Blake Willis and Cole Willis of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Donald Willis of Beaufort, NC as well as several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

A service to remember and celebrate Mr. Willis’ life will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2022 beginning at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach.

He will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery at a later date.