Lewis F. Willey – Dunnellton, Fla.

Lewis F. Willey, 78, of Dunnellon, Fla., died Friday, April 14, 2023, at his residence in Dunnellon. He was born June 17, 1944, in Hardwick, Vt., and moved here from Elizabeth, Pa., in 2017. He was a retired truck driver from Bellavance & Sons Trucking, serving them from 1965 to 1992, served as a merchandiser for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company from 1993 to 2008, and a proprietor of Fallen Timber Stables from 1992 to 2017. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965 as a sharpshooter. Lewis is survived by his wife of 39 years, Terri Willey of Dunnellon, Fla.; one brother, Harold Willey; three sisters, Lorraine Perraulte, Pam Celley (Willis) and Gail Rogers; mother-in-law, Adeline “Babe” Jones; many nieces and nephews; and his two beloved dogs, Sophie and Sadie Mae. He was unselfish, hard-working and set the example of how a man should treat people. He touched many lives. He loved traveling to the barrel races with his wife and dogs, where he enjoyed visiting with his friends and was her biggest fan and supporter. He had a great sense of humor and was quick to tell a joke or pull a prank. He also enjoyed NAS-CAR and held season tickets to Dover Speedway for many years. He enjoyed his retirement at his farm in Florida. He never turned down the opportunity to have a cold one and a good meal with friends. He will be missed by many. He is preceded in death by his brother, James Willey; parents, Harold and Elaine Willey; and father-in-law, Paul “Puck” Jones. At his request, there will be no viewing. Cremation arrangements were handled by FLORIDA CREMATION SOCIETY, Ocala, Fla.