Fredrick Joe Willis, age 70, of Elkins, Arkansas passed away at Washington Regional Medical Center on July 1, 2026. He was born September 4, 1955 to Willie “Bill” Willis and Mary Emma Stewart Willis.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a stepmother Daisy “Sammy” Willis; sisters, Sharron Elkins and Karen Springston; niece Nikki Welch; and great-niece Brianna Butler.

He is survived by his brother Gary Willis of Gentry, Arkansas; nephews, Eric Elkins and wife Amanda, Craig Elkins and wife Karol, Ronnie Springston and wife Katrina, Gary Willis Jr, and Willie Willis and wife Danielle; nieces, Sandy Eaton, Kristy Bingaman and husband Shannon, and Rhonda Carter and husband John; and many great-nieces and nephews.

Fred is also survived by his extended family “The Swaffords”, Joe and Melissa Swafford of Crosses, Arkansas, Bobby, Natalie and children Brenley, Aspen, and Laken Swafford, Wade, Lana and daughter Emersyn Swafford, Alyssa and daughter Addie Swafford, and Aaron, Abbie and Doug Hattabaugh. He is also survived by a longtime friend of 51 years Ira Stockton of Crosses, Arkansas. Fred had many longtime friends and had established many new friendships in recent years.

He graduated from Elkins High School in Elkins, Arkansas in 1973.

Fred retired after 35 years at the City of Fayetteville. He enjoyed riding side by sides and spending time with his family in Crosses, Arkansas. He loved drinking coffee on the front porch and playing cards on the weekends. Most of all, he loved the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Fred will be greatly missed on family vacations, side by side rides, and at the card table.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Friday, July 10, 2026 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Beard’s Chapel. Interment will follow in McCord Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Gary Willis Jr, Willie Willis, Cade Willis, Ron Springston, Wade Swafford, and Bobby Swafford.

Honorary pallbearers are John Carter and Joe Swafford.