Obituaries
 By  Staff Reports Published 
5:11 pm Wednesday, February 23, 2022

John David Willis

John David Willis, 63, passed away Feb. 23 at home in Russellville.

David was a Russellville High School graduate and a proud truck driver before retiring from the road. He is the oldest son of John Walter Willis and Anna Colleen Willis of Russellville.

David was a music fan and motorcycle lover, and loved dogs and his family. He loved to hunt and fish and was exploring a new hobby of rockhounding and gemstone collecting. He was an avid reader and will be remembered most for his sense of humor and vast knowledge of trivia, interesting topics and colorful conversations.

He is survived by his mother, Anna Colleen Willis, of Russellville; his sister, Dawn Willis Thorn and Donald Thorn, of Red Bay; his sister Joni Willis Bryan, Ashland City, Tenn.; nieces and nephews Amber and Tyrus Arthur, Nashville, Tenn., Rachel Bryan, Knoxville, Tenn., DeeAnna Heym and Jason Heym, Huntsville, Whitney Thorn, Tuscaloosa; and great-niece Aoife Heym.

He also was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, special friends, fellow truckers and colleagues. We will miss our beloved uncle.

The family will honor David’s life Feb. 26 at noon at Spry Funeral Home, 907 Jackson Ave. S., Russellville. Information can be found online at www.sprymemorialchapel.com.

Also on Franklin County Times
Vina man may have his bond revoked after messaging a minor
Franklin County, News, Z - News Main
By Kevin Taylor For FCT 
July 30, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A Vina man, who was arrested and charged in 2024 with electronic solicitation of a child, could have his bond revoked after allegedly t...
City OKs ‘Women of True Grit’ agreement
A: Main, Franklin County, News, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 29, 2026
REDBAY–The city council has approved a $12,000 agreement with Hand in Hand Entertainment and Promotions for a one-year “Edie Hand: Women of True Grit”...
Fire training center addition triples size
A: Main, Franklin County, News, ...
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 29, 2026
Firefighters from throughout northwest Alabama use the fire rescue training center in Florence to test their skills in realistic drills, participate i...
Allred named state tourism director
News, Z - News Main
July 29, 2026
MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced the retirement of Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, appointing Glenda Allred in his place. Former Gov. Bo...
Colbert shelter pays off building loan
News, Z - News Main
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
July 29, 2026
TUSCUMBIA — Nearly 30 years after the Colbert County Animal Shelter borrowed money to build its current facility, the shelter has officially paid off ...
We must recommit to principles of freedom
Columnists, Opinion
July 29, 2026
Alabama’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday was never intended to be confined to a single event, institution, or location. From the beginning,...
Fairy tale villains face day in court
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
July 29, 2026
Once upon a time, the stories told only one side. Now it’s your turn to hear the evidence. As you step inside the courtroom, you’ll see some of your f...
July Fest features food, fun and fireworks
News
By María Camp maria.camp@franklincountyimes.com 
July 29, 2026
VINA — Community members gathered Saturday at the Vina Fire Department for the annual July Fest, enjoying food, vendors, a car show, musical performan...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *