Darryl’s Obituary I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. Darryl Christopher Willis, the only child of Jewell and Dorothy Pride Willis, was born in Malvern, Arkansas on October 12, 1966, and departed this life on December 14, 2018.
Darryl grew up in Malvern, attended the public schools of Malvern, graduating from High School in 1985. He was an active member of the basketball team, the Leopard Marching band (one year), was a representative to Boys State, and a member of local baseball teams from T-ball thru Sr. Babe Ruth. He professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age, was baptized and united with First Baptist Church, Vine Street, under the pastorage of Rev.
Noble B. Russey. He was an active member of the youth choir, junior ushers and youth Sunday School. Darryl was a life-long member of St. Luke Lodge 23 and Alpha Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc
He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1993, with a B.S. in Marketing. In 1993 He moved to Dallas, Texas, where he resided until his health failed and he moved home with his parents. When he moved to Desoto in 1993, he united with Friendship West Baptist Church, where he was an active member until his health failed.
He worked in various marketing position, but some of his most outstanding work related accomplishments included: successfully managed TSP communication project for President Ronald Regan’s funeral, and successfully managed TSP communication project for the Prime Minister of Greece during his visit to the U.S. Olympic Committee in preparation for the 2004 summer Olympics’ of Athens Greece, while he was employed as TSP manager with Verizon. Darryl’s last job was with Registry of Physician Specialists, Walnut Creek, CA as Business Development Manager, where he successfully increased sales by 30%, generating $12 million in revenue in three short years. His failing health forced him to leave the work force.
Darryl Christopher Willis will be solely missed by his parents, Jewell and Dorothy Willis, of Malvern, Arkansas; one daughter, Nia Simons Willis, of Houston, Texas; one aunt, Carolyn Jones (X. L.) of Malvern, Arkansas; a step grandmother, Myrtle Pride Young of Turrell, Arkansas, one cousin/sister, Rosalind Ivory (Benny) of Louisville, Kentucky; two cousins/ brothers, Gerald Jones of England, Arkansas, Xavier Jones (Lavonya) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins. Extended family: four God sisters, Sheila Collins (Mark) of Nashville, Tennessee, Jennifer Cook (Jimmy) of Malvern, Arkansas, Belinda Mitchell and Barbara Smith of Malvern, Arkansas; Uncle and Aunt, Robert and Mayona Johnson of Malvern, Arkansas; cousins, Robin and Johnny Simpson of Desoto, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends to cherish his sweet memory.
Darryl’s Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at Malvern High School’s auditorium, with his eulogy being delivered by Reverend Kenneth Reid. The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Alpha Zeta Chapter, will facilitate a Funeral Memorial Service at 11:00 A.M., prior to the funeral services of Brother Darryl C. Willis, at the auditorium. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00pm, on Friday, December 21, 2018, at First Baptist Vine Street Church, in Malvern.
His earthly body will be laid to rest at Perla Cemetery, in Malvern. A repass will immediately follow at First Baptist Vine Street’s Life Center.
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