05/11/2026
SNM Family, here is the information regarding Pastor Henry Willis' celebration of life service. Please continue to lift Bishop Ray, Mrs. Peggy and their family in prayer.
Willis – Henry Lee Willis, age 95, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, at Macclenny Nursing and Rehab with his wife by his side. Henry was born on September 2, 1930, in Kenton, Kentucky to the late Julian Lee and Eva Arestes Arizona Willis. He was a longtime resident of Palatka, where he met the love of his life and ministry companion, Marcia “Grace” Murkerson Willis. They were married on April 30, 1948, and shared 78 beautiful years together filled with love, faith, and ministry. Henry was an ordained Bishop with the Church of God of Prophecy, where he faithfully served in many roles and capacities, including Youth Camp Director, Pastor, and National Evangelist. Together, Henry and Grace also served with the World Missions Department, traveling throughout the United States and around the world as missionaries. Their ministry journeys carried them into remote villages and bush communities where people had never before seen Americans with pale skin and red hair. They were true pioneers in sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Christ. During revival services, Henry would play the guitar while Grace sang, and then Henry would preach with passion, conviction, and love for people. Henry and Grace spent many cherished years living on Dunn’s Creek, where they enjoyed fishing, boating, and simply being together on the water. Henry also loved playing golf and was an avid fan of the Florida Gators, faithfully cheering them on through the years. Henry was truly a treasure, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His remarkable legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Eva Willis, sisters, Linda Willis and Martha Turner; and daughter, Joy Tringle. Henry is survived by his adoring wife, Grace Willis, of Macclenny FL; children, Ray (Peggy) Willis of Macclenny, FL, Marcia Willis of San Mateo, FL, sister, Drucilla Jones of AK; brother-in-law, Robert (Janet) Murkerson; grandchildren, Shelisa (Billy) Hull, Chad (Antoinette) Willis, Brent (Shannon) Gibson, Jennifer (Adam) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Caleb (Marissa), Blake (Dana), Augustine, Lexis (Kevin), Tyler (Ashley), Jesse (Trinity), Noah, Aedan, Gunnar, Lochlan, Miranda (Greg); great-great grandchildren, Hadassah Grace, Ella, Lillie, Asher, Carson, Teagan, Dax, and Adalyn; along with many other extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Henry’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 am at Connect Church 6727 Crill Ave Palatka, Florida 32177. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henry’s honor to World Missions Ministries, 7 West Main Street, Suite 300, Apopka, Florida 32177. The arrangements are under the care and direction of V. TODD FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
