Blake "BJ" Willis

Blake Jhan “BJ” Willis, 64, of Trinidad, TX, died unexpectedly Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier near Key Largo, Florida. The world lost a good man, a devoted husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, special friend to many and die-hard Aggie. He has left a huge impact on all who knew him.
BJ was born August 6, 1956, in Gladewater, TX to the late Eugene Dale and Dorotha (Byrd) Willis. He grew up in Big Sandy, TX and attended the Big Sandy ISD schools where he graduated in 1974. He was a member of the Big Sandy football team that won the state championship in 1973. After high school, BJ attended Texas A & M University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Argiculture Education in 1978. BJ spent many years working as a management professional in purchasing operations and inventory management, most recently as Materials Procurement Manager for Momentum Fuel Technologies, a division of Rush Enterprises.
His love for all thing connected to Texas A & M and his travel adventures with his large group of close-knit friends was exceeded only by his love for his wife Jean and his family. For more than 35 years BJ was a judge for the annual World Championship Bar-B-Que Cook Off at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was a member of the Cedar Creek Lake Parrot Head Club. BJ lived and experienced life to the fullest and will live on in the hearts and memories of all. BJ will be remembered for his love of life and adventure, his great cooking, his love of the Aggies, bird hunting in Karnes City, Lake Life, being a good and loyal friend to many.
BJ was the heart and soul of his wife Jean England Willis who survives him. They were married October 8, 1994 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to his wife, BJ is survived by two step-sons, Brian Herrera (Katelyn) of Fort Worth and Billy Campbell stationed in the Air Force in Okinawa, Japan; a brother, Don Willis, of Nederland, TX; two sister, Sherry Johnson, of Irving, TX, and Melanie Shelton (Raymond) of Big Sandy, TX; sister-in-law Michelle Hamilton (Bud) of West Branch, MI; sister-in-law Cheri Hill of West Branch, MI; sister-in-law Robin Hoyer of Alger, MI and brother-in-law Joseph England of Alger, MI; Papa or Papa Bear to five grandchildren, Paityn Potter, Brynn Herrera, Olivia Herrera, Greyson Herrera and Ellisyn Campbell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
BJ is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Dortha Willis; father-in-law, Robert England; brothers-in-law, Sam Johnson and Denny Hoyer; sister-in-law Carolyn Willis and best friend Lawrence Linhart.
The family will receive loved ones and friends on Sunday, October 4, 2020 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home, 305 W. Harrison St. Gilmer, TX.
Funeral Services for BJ Willis will be held at the First Baptist Church of Big Sandy, 1105 N Hwy-155, Big Sandy, TX at 12:00 pm on Monday, October 5, 2020. The service will also be live streamed for those that cannot attend.