of Little Rock, AR

December 5, 1929 - December 30, 2023

Retired missionary and physician, Dr. Harlan L. Willis, age 94, passed away at his home in Little Rock, AR on December 30, 2023.

Born in Friendswood, TX on December 5, 1929, Dr. Willis graduated from the Baylor University School of medicine in 1953. Following his service in the United States Navy, Dr. Willis served as a Southern Baptist Missionary to Bangkla, Thailand from 1961-1973, where he helped build the Baptist Hospital and Leprosy Clinic and served as a surgeon and general physician. Upon his return to the U.S., he practiced medicine and general surgery in Brownfield, TX (1974-2004), then served as the medical director for the Community Health Clinic in Lubbock, TX (2004-2012).

A devoted servant of Christ and lifelong learner, Dr. Willis left a legacy of faithful service built on three simple foundations: Know Jesus, Love Jesus, Serve Jesus. He loved to remind his children and extended family that ''hard work builds character''. And he exhibited that throughout his life practicing medicine until age 83 and returning frequently to Thailand to assist doctors there. Though he left full-time service in Thailand in 1973, his love for the Thai people remained a life-long constant. Asked about his greatest aspirations, he frequently said, ''I wish I could go back to Thailand just one more time.''.

He is survived by two daughters, Kaye Frances Willis Miller (Mark) of Little Rock, AR and Robin Leigh Willis Wood (Andy) of Millry, AL; one son, Paul Marshal Willis (Sarah) of Amarillo, TX; ten grandchildren, Jenny Owens (Jason), Julie O'Neal (Christian), Rachael Eichenberger (Zach), John Mark Miller (Meg), Carrie Wiley (Kyle), Cassie Thomas (Curtis), Joel Wood (Ashley), Alyx Camp (Casey), Gunnar Willis and Dakota Willis and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jo Willis and a daughter, Carol Ann Willis Strahan.

To honor his life and legacy, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Harlan Willis through the International Mission Board to the Bangkla Baptist Hospital in Thailand by going to imb.org and clicking the ''give now'' link and specifying your gift to: Bangkla Baptist Hospital in Thailand. Gifts can also be mailed to the International Mission Board for the ministry of Bangkla Baptist Hospital, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com