John Emmitt Willis

John Emmitt Willis, age 73, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Born on April 15, 1948, in Vero Beach, Florida, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Brown) Willis, he graduated from Indian River High School and Jones College with an associate’s degree.
John married Linda Layton, the love of his life, on November 21, 1970. They enjoyed many happy years together, traveling to the mountains and spending time with family and friends. As a long-standing member of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, John served as a deacon, working in the prison ministry and counseling those in need. He loved getting to know people, never meeting a stranger, and always found a way to share his faith and his love for the Lord.
Early in his professional career, John worked for Peninsular Insurance, where he and Linda met, and then spent 26 years working with Ring Power in information technology. After his retirement from there, he worked for a time with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
He was preceded in death by his parents. John is survived by his wife, Linda, of Jacksonville; brother-in-law, Rick Layton (Anne), of Salem, Massachusetts; sister-in-law, Pat Tinnell of Rocky Mount, Virginia; a very special friend, Jason Garaway of The Villages, Florida; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, in the Lindsay Memorial Auditorium at First Baptist Church in Downtown Jacksonville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment at Riverside Memorial Park will follow at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL & CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. (904) 259-2806. Please share your condolences with the family online at www.blackburncurryfh.com.

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

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