CONOVER, N.C. - Robert “Sam” Craig Willis, 89, of Conover passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory.

He was born December 11, 1931 in Catawba County to the late Paul Franklin Willis and Anna Wehunt Willis. Sam was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Conover and was a retired self-employed house painter. He loved to hunt, fish and garden. For years, his second home was the Claremont Cafe where he developed many friendships.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Allen; brothers, Hal Willis, Bill Willis, Joe Willis, John Willis, and Paul Junior Willis; and sisters, Ellen Sanders and Agnes Buff.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years Dorothy Huffman Willis of the home; daughters Kathy Sigmon and husband Kent of Oak Island, Kimberly Cline and husband Mark of Bethlehem, Deanna Butcher and husband Jackie of Conover; brother Ronald Willis and wife Stella of Simpsonville, S.C.; sisters Betty Draper of Shady Cove, Oregon, Marie Wilson of Maiden; grandchildren Kristin Little, Justin Deal, Emily and Sarah Allen, Shay Cline, Erica Moretz, and Cacey Butcher; great-grandchildren Caleb and Hannah Black, Ethan Little, Michael Isenhour, Addyson Clary, Trey Deal, Erin and Lillian Allen, Alex Norman, Judah Cline, and Yael, Luca and Levi Moretz.

A memorial service to celebrate Sam’s life will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Conover. Rev. Eric Hauss and Rev. Kevin Graudin will officiate.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 6175 St. Peter’s Church Rd., Conover, NC 28613 or Trinity Village, 1265 21st Street NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Condolences may be sent to the Willis family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Willis family.