Hubert Douglas Willis, Jr., 60, of Fernandina Beach, Florida passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020 at his residence.
Hubert Douglas Willis, Jr, affectionately known as Hugh or Hubie was born on October 11, 1959 to Hubert Douglas Willis, Sr. and Beverly Skipper Willis. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida but lived in many places including Woodbridge, Virginia outside of Washington, D.C, Panama Canal Zone, Millbrook, Alabama and Fernandina Beach during his father’s Civil Service career. Hugh graduated from Stanhope Elmore High School in 1978. He loved Millbrook and has kept in touch with many lifelong friends from there. His persona “Race Hugh” started there. He loved Hot Rods and enjoyed building them. Attending NASCAR Races and car shows were his favorite hobbies. He also enjoyed music, concerts and making others laugh. Hugh had endless stories of Rock n Roll band encounters but his favorite was always Millbrook’s own Dixie Pistol Band.
Hugh began his electrical career as a Journeyman Electrician for Peacock Electric and Joe Gooding Electric working for many years locally. In 1990, he moved to Columbia, South Carolina to work for Union Camp/International Paper as an electrician for 22 years. He longed to be closer to home and decided to move back in 2012. He enjoyed working with the Industrial Electronics Group in Yulee, Florida as their Lead Field Technician for the last 7 years.
Hugh trusted in Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of 14 at Balboa First Baptist Church while living in the Panama Canal Zone. He later transferred his membership to Millbrook Baptist Church and then to Springhill Baptist Church. He attended First Baptist Church, locally. Hugh was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and was part of the Lower Richland Lodge 406, AFM while he was living in Columbia and working in Eastover, South Carolina.
Hugh was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Skipper Willis. He is survived by his father, Hubert Douglas Willis, Sr., his brothers Skip and Todd (Suzanne), his sister Suzi Willis and nephews Blake and Cole Willis all of Fernandina Beach. He is also survived by many special aunts, uncles and cousins on the Skipper and Willis side of his family. Hugh was especially close to his cousin Tammy Skipper Holloway and her two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah. He will be greatly missed by all that loved him dearly.
His family and friends will gather at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30th for a graveside service at the Bosque Bello Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity or Shriner’s Healthcare for Children, 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 in memory of Hugh.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com
OXLEY-HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS
