Johnny Lee Willis

Johnny Lee Willis was born on July 26, 1969, in Lubbock, Texas. On July 30, 2024, Johnny succumbed to an overwhelming infection at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas. He leaves behind a legacy of humor, love and resilience.

Johnny had a wonderful sense of humor, always said, “I love you,” and had a forgiving heart. He was an intelligent man with a keen interest in history, and he could tell you a lot about anything. He enjoyed the beauty of nature and was passionate about preserving and protecting wildlife.

Growing up in the plains of Texas, where there were tall bushes, but not a tree as far as the eye could see, was Johnny. There is where his character as good ol’ Texan boy, was instilled. His dual passion for playing tricks on people and saving up money by working odd end jobs a kid could do, started here. When the family finally moved to Austin in 1984, Johnny would attend Westwood High School. There, two things came as a shock to him, one was suburb life, the other…real trees! Here, he continued working through school at various places, namely a little burger shack called Short Stop. He continued to save money until he could purchase himself a blue 1976 Pontiac Firebird, infamously dubbed “The Blue Goose,” a title earned by his mounting of a plastic mallard’s head as its hood ornament.

In college, Johnny majored in political science and was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets, Fox-2 Company, at Texas A&M University. This was a personal challenge and a source of immense pride for him. His company achieved much success during his attending years, and as such, the company was selected to build the bonfire of 1987, where they cut and carried all timber necessary for its massive construction. The bonfire was but one of his accolades and for all his accomplishments there, he received his coveted Aggie Senior Boots, Sabre and Aggie Ring of 1991. Johnny cherished his time at Texas A&M, thriving in his education, the Corps of Cadets and absorbed the rich history and traditions of the university.

Initially, being a political science major, Johnny considered a career as a Corporate Law attorney, but as life happens, that changed and he started down a different path. He began working with the Texas General Land Office and embraced the opportunity to serve as an Oil Spill Response Officer. Starting his career in Corpus Christi, Texas, and later transferring to the Houston region, Johnny officed in La Porte, Texas, where he was dedicated to saving wildlife and mitigating environmental impacts while regulating the Houston region, home to the fourth largest port in the United States. Though occasional helicopter rides with the Coast Guard made him nervous, he thrived in his position, finding great satisfaction in contributing to environmental protections.

In the summer of 2007, Johnny fell ill of a rare liver disease called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, leading to various health complications. On May 7, 2008, he received a liver transplant at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, granting him an additional 16 years and 84 days of life. Over these years, he matured and gained a deepened capacity for love. These years were not always easy; Johnny faced immense physical and mental challenges, unable to enjoy activities he once loved, like riding horses. Despite these hardships, he would never express self-pity. He remained a joy to be around, often sharing his western-esque catchphrases such as, “Hee Haw, yeah mule, quit ya belly achin’, be about it, and hey there Indian!” He had an incredible ability to start a conversation and get along with almost anyone. When he wasn’t keeping you company, he’d be on walks with his companion, a dog, lovingly named Badger. A name only he could come up with.

He had a special love for innocent pranks and playing tricks on the people close to him. With this love, came April Fools’ Day, a big event for Johnny, especially when it came to his mother, Karla. Each year, he methodically planned how to “fool” her. Even when she expected it, his greatest joy was when he successfully “pulled it off” once again. Especially the time he convinced her that he’d lost a leg.

Johnny was predeceased by his grandparents John G. and Joe Dorothy (Bo) King, and grandparents Elvin Lee and Era Lee Willis. Johnny is survived by his wife of 22 years and 9 days, Lisa Ann Willis and his son, Dylan Lee Willis and wife Alicia. He is also survived by his parents Norton Lee and Karla Joe Willis, his sister Patricia Cardiff (Patty) and husband Bill, his sister Regina Dickinson (Gina) and husband Randy, as well as many additional loving uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

Join us in celebrating and remembering Johnny’s life. A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 10, 2024, at Klein Funeral Home at 14711 Farm to Market Road 1488 in Magnolia, Texas 77355, arriving earliest at 1 p.m. to begin at 
2 p.m. The service will be followed by an urn entombment at the Klein Funeral Home cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets by visiting https://corps.tamu.edu/make-an-impact/ and selecting “Give Now” under “Corps of Cadets.”