Richard Alfred Willis
July 18, 1941 – January 8, 2026
Richard Alfred Willis, 84, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha D. Willis. Family left to cherish his memory include his son, Vance Willis; grandchildren, James, Priscilla, Peter, and Blade; sister, Dorothy Lloyd; nieces and nephews, Dwayne Lloyd, Denise Brooking, Debbie Murphy; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Alfred was a graduate of Virginia Tech and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a member of the Airborne Unit. He worked in construction for many years before later becoming a safety inspector for the state. In addition to his professional career, Alfred was an accomplished writer who authored several novels and pursued research in archaeology.
Alfred wishes are for a small, intimate graveside service with only immediate family and closet friends.
Vance,
You probably won’t remember me..My deceased husband, Jason, worked with your dad. We would laugh and and when we talked. it wasn’t that funny.
Your dad was a good man and I believe you are just like him.
I now live in Caroline County. My health is not great so I cannot drive.
You take care and know your dad was a good man.
Vance & family, I want to express my condolences in your loss. May God give you strength, comfort & peace during this time of sadness.
June P. Perkins
JB PLAGEMAN
I met Al in 1980 in downtown Richmond at the VOSH office. After the 1st couple of days of orientation in the state office I became aware that Al was very knowledgeable and very respected in the central VOSH office. During my training schedule with Al I learned that he had a deep passion for nature and wildlife.
Between the ’80s and the early two thousands we worked together in the safety and health field and as a friend, we shared times in the mountains viewing wildlife, hunting, fishing and foraging. Vance I’ll always remember the good times that your Dad and I had involving work and fellowship. I hope to have a call sometime in the future and an invite to get together with you…