Mr. Dale Willis

Obituary Dale M. Willis was born in Kansas City, Missouri to the union of Robert and Thelma (Big Mama) Willis , on December 27, 1963. He was the youngest of three children. Dale and his two siblings, brother James Willis and sister Robin Willis. They were raised close knit to his father’s sister Virginia Starks (Aunt Jean) and her children Kevin Harbin, Sharon Saunders, Orlando Starks, and Sonya Starks, his mother’s sister Bertha Walker and her children Joan Green, Lenora Green and Carlos Green in the lower east side of Kansas City like brothers and sisters. Dale spent a lot of time with his Stepmother Rosetta Willis and his other siblings as well. Dale was affectionately known by his family and friends as “Papa Willo”, but later was graced with the name the “Godfather”. Dale received his education in the Greater Kansas City, Missouri School District where he attended Greenwood Elementary, Central Middle School, and graduated from East High School in 1982. Dale dedicated his life to Christ at an early age as he was a firm believer in God and his word. As a youth, he loved playing outside. It wasn’t much to do so he and his cousins along with other neighborhood friends Wendell Hardin (Twink) and Darrell Hardin (Monk), would play four corners, hide & seek, basketball, and spend time at the local community center Minute Circle for fun all day. He loved being outdoors. Later in life, he united with some of his childhood best friends that remained by his side until the end such as Brent Jones, Shawn Copeland Sr., Terrence (Broadway) Finch, Chadwick (Chad) Stephenson, and Owen Smith. On September 25, 1999, Dale was united in marriage to Sherron G. Willis in Kansas City, Kansas. They dissolved their union after 6 years, but kept a close friendship. Dale “Godfather” Willis was a legend. He was the definition of a true hustler and was well respected in the community as many referred to him as “OG”. Dale’s family and friends know him as a man with many trades. His legacy in Kansas City provided entertainment in many avenues such as: concerts, annual community picnics for sickle-cell awareness, players’ balls, and car shows. Dale was a dapper man, well dressed and poised at all times. He was a respected leader. He took honor in being stand up in all his endeavors. Dale loved learning and perfecting his crafts. He had a love for the kitchen which lead him to obtain his Culinary Arts Degree with hopes of opening a BBQ restaurant one day. Through his culinary background, he was able to feed thousands in the community, which filled his heart in abundance. The “Godfather” was all about family. In 2000, Dale rededicated his life to the Lord and was baptized under by Pastor Lary B. Williams of Eight Street Baptist Church. Dale “Godfather” Willis will be greatly missed. He lived true to his name the “Godfather” as filled the role of father to many. He was a born to be an entrepreneur. He had the knowledge and skills to not only create a business he also had the expertise of knowing how to run successful businesses in which he was able to pass some of those same skills and traits on to his children, who he was proud of for running their own businesses. As a CEO of WW Crown Production, mogul, father, brother, and uncle. Papa did everything his way and on his own terms from the beginning to the end earning him the title of the “Godfather”. Dale M. “Godfather” Willis leaves behind a legacy to remember and celebrate. “So don’t cry for me, live for me, cause that’s what I did and would want”. As he would say before departing from someone. Till we meet again. Dales was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Thelma Willis; fiancé Lawanna A. Wells; brother, James A. Willis; three sisters, Robin Willis, Dianna M. Bobo, and Jackie Harvey; daughter Krealonna M. Willis, aunt Virginia Starks; two uncles James A. Willis and Clifford Jones ; cousin Herman Green, Lenora Green; nephew Jamil Jackson; niece Ayanna Sanders. He leaves to cherish his memory: six sons, Dale M. Willis Jr., James A. Willis III, Robert L. Willis III, Sanford J. Willis II, Darian D. Willis (Destiny), Caleb D. Willis, all of Kansas City, Missouri; five daughters, Valerie Watts-Graham, Trisha Franklin, Marsha Willis, Shalonda Willis, Brittney White; step mother, Rosetta Willis; siblings, Robert L. Willis Jr., Bobby Jr., Sanford J. Willis (Sandy), David Harvey, Crealaun Harvey, Janice Smith (Earnest), Antoinette Harvey; nieces, Tynaise Ward (Brian) and Ericka Robins; one nephew Demond Robins; (which he raised as his very own) special sister Meme Harrison; special brother, Brent Jones (BJ); special nephew, Robert White; and a host of grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral Service will be held the following Monday, December 27, 2021, 11:00am at the Watkins Heritage Chapel . Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9am-11am at the chapel. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Dale Willis, please visit our floral store. Read More

Mr. Dale Willis

December 27, 1963 - December 11, 2021