Steve Willis

STEVE WILLIS

Steve Allen Willis, 66, of Silsbee passed away Friday March 15, 2024 peacefully at home. He was born December 4, 1957 to the late Richard Willis and Frances Merle Moss Willis in Kountze, Texas.

Today, we gather to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Steve Willis, a courageous and beloved man who touched the hearts of all who knew him. Steve, aged 66, faced his battle with cancer with bravery and grace, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience that will forever inspire us. His love for his family and friends was the cornerstone of his being. His devotion to those he held dear knew no bounds, and his presence in their lives was a source of comfort, joy, and unwavering support. In addition to his love for family and friends, Steve was known for his incredible work ethic and exceptional skills as a craftsman, be it working withwoodormetal.Hehad the ability to build anything with his hands, turning raw materials into works of art or function that stood and continue to stand as a testament to his talent and dedication. Like his father before him, homes all over the southeast Texas area stand with his framing, cabinetry, and lumber, some felled and milled by his own hands. He shared a love of American muscle with his family and friends, pouring his heart, soul, tools, and time into anybody that needed it; whether it was a new ignition module so a friend could still make it to work on time or a hobbyist building a new dirt track car. He built his first motor at age 12 and his last one 6 months ago; it was a love that never wavered. Any chance he had to use a tool and impart some knowledge, he took it.

He was just as excited to sharpen your lawnmower blade as he was to change your hot water heater, build your porch or hang your drywall. On his perfect day he was up before dawn, hooking his flat-bottom boat to the back of a square body pickup truck and headed to Letney Park on Rayburn, with that drivers’ window rolled down and his left arm kicked up on top of the door panel and his ‘tunes’ turned up. We needed to be seining for bait at the boat ramp by daylight, have 300 trotline hooks in the water and baited by lunch, and playing on the sandbar until dusk when it was time to see what waited for us on the lines. As we bid farewell to Steve, let us hold onto the memories of his love, his strength, and his unwavering spirit. May his legacy of love, hard work, and passion for the simple things in life continue to inspire us to live each day to the fullest and cherish the moments we have with those we hold dear. Rest in peace, Steve. Your memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to have known you.

He is preceded in death by both parents.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 8 years, Debbie Bordeaux of Silsbee; children, Richard “Toby” Lane Willis and wife Lori of Silsbee, Kimberley Thompson and husband Trenton Alsdurf of Lumberton; grandchildren, Isaac Willis, Madelynn Willis, Katelynn Willis, Ethan Thompson, Kylee Thompson; bonus son, Eric Wright of Vidor; sister Teresa Graham and husband Dale of Vidor; and a host of other family members and friends.

Funeral service was Tuesday, March 19 at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee with burial at Morse Cemetery in Buna.