Danny “Wormy” Ray Willis

Posted on October 15, 2025

Danny “Wormy” Ray Willis, 73, of Perry went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 11, 2025, at Lafayette Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 22, 1952, in Perry. He worked for the City of Perry for 35 years before retiring in 2012. He was a Baptist and a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as the choir leader. Danny was an avid fisherman who loved spending his free time on the water, fishing with friends and family. He also enjoyed vacations in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., with his family. Danny was preceded in death by: his mother, Mary Bennett; twin brother, Bobby; brother, Don Willis; and his infant daughter, Joni Marie Willis. He is survived by: his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Willis; daughters, Dorothy (Scott) Holden and Danyell (Joe) Rowell; son, David (Kalemma) Willis; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Cone and Connie Gilbert; a host of nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Buddy Johnson, whom he considered more of a brother than a friend. Services will be held at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. with Pastor James Nowell and Pastor Danny Lundy officiating. A visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Danny’s final resting place will be at Pisgah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Churc