Sammy Ray Willis' Obituary
Sammy Ray Willis was born on July 22, 1949, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Hubert and Myrtle Lee (McClain) Willis. Growing up on a truck farm near Leonard, he worked hard growing vegetables, especially tomatoes. A star Spartan athlete, Sam excelled in both football and basketball at Bixby High School, graduating with the class of 1967.
Sam furthered his education at Oklahoma State University, where he graduated on the Dean's List with a degree in accounting. It was at the Dutches Swimming Pool near 91st and Mingo that he met Karen Tinkel. They attended Bixby High School together and became high school sweethearts, with their first date at the Admiral Twin on Karen's 16th birthday. Karen, a cheerleader, and Sam, the captain of the football team, were a perfect match. They married on May 5, 1970, in Jasper, Texas.
Sam initially sold insurance for American National before joining QuikTrip, where he started on the night shift and worked his way into management. He was gainfully employed by the organization from 1979 to 2013. From their union was born their son, Jason Willis, who followed in his father's footsteps by working in the QuikTrip organization.
Sam was a soft-spoken, kind, and respected man who loved fishing. He was admired by all, and every mother would want their daughter to marry a man like Sammy Willis. He was a great dad and husband, deeply loving and devoted to his family.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his sister, Patty Nichols, and her husband, Robert; and his brother-in-law, Wade Tinkel, and his wife, Julie. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jason, and his brother Danny.
Sam passed away early Thursday morning, July 18, 2024, at his residence in Broken Arrow, at the age of 74.
A funeral ceremony celebrating Sam's life will be held 2 PM Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in the Rivercrest Chapel. The family welcomes friends to a luncheon at 12 PM noon prior to the ceremony. They will also receive visitors during visitation from 6-7 PM Monday evening at Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service.
What’s your fondest memory of Sammy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sammy?
Share a story where Sammy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sammy you’ll never forget.
How did Sammy make you smile?