Alan Ray Willis

Alan was born in Columbia, MO on September 23, 1963, to Houston Leo Willis and Ruth Evelyn “Parker” Willis who preceded him in death. Alan graduated from Hickman High School in 1982 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University as a Register Respiratory Therapist.

Alan worked at various hospitals all over Florida and Missouri but spent his later life as a RRT at the University of Missouri and his last 18+ years at the Harry S Truman VA Hospital caring for our nation’s veterans.

Alan’s son, Ryan was born in April 1991. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, being Ryan’s dad was Alan’s most proud, prized, and cherished accomplishment. He was proud to have raised such a wonderful, caring young man.

While working at the VA, Alan met his wife Terry, and they married in May 2011. Alan gained a daughter and a son. Ryan gained a brother and a sister. Despite the fact they were not his biological children, Alan always treated, cared, and love his stepchildren as though they were his own. Throughout the past 12 years his family grew to include his three grandchildren, Jackson Williams and Tristan and Sophia Hoffman.

Alan always loved building things and working on cars. Above all else he loved playing golf with his friends. He inherited his skill as a jack of all trades from his father and he always strived to pass these skills and knowledge on to anyone who would listen. Whether it was helping Ryan build a barn, assembling puzzles with his grandchildren, playing golf with Jason, or teaching a new intern, resident, or Fellow, every moment with Alan was a learning or teachable moment.

Alan loved to travel which he learned at a young age with his family. He passed on his love of travel to his son Ryan while he was growing up. He and Terry shared this love of travel together flying to Cancun, driving down the West Coast, to Niagara Falls, or just a drive to Hermann for a Wine trail date.

Alan tried to live each day to the fullest on his terms, while helping those around him who needed it. He loved intensely and made sure those he loved knew it every single day.

Alan is survived by his wife, Terry, his son, Ryan (Paige) Willis, two stepchildren Crystal (Mark) Hoffman, and Jason Williams. Three grandchildren, Jackson Williams and Tristan and Sophia Hoffman. His sister, Linda Willis, Uncle Bill and Aunt Donna Willis and Aunt June Willis. Alan was proceeded in death by both of his parents, Houston and Ruth Willis, and several aunts and uncles.

No services are planned at this time.

A celebration of Alan’s life will be held in the future.

In Lieu of flowers the family request donations in Alan’s name be made to the:

Central Missouri Honor Flight

1400 Forum BLVD. Suite 7A, Box 334

Columbia, MO 65203

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Willis family.