Willis, 69, of Akron passed away on October 30, 2023. He was born in San Antonio, Texas to William “Bill” and Mary Jane Willis. Rod was a 1972 graduate of Coventry High School Class where he was a member of the football and baseball teams.
Rod worked at the Coventry Fire Department as both a volunteer fireman and EMT for many years, a job that he was very proud and passionate about. After his time as a firefighter, Rod served the community by working for the Township Road Department and for Coventry Local Schools. Outside of work, Rod had many hobbies, coaching baseball, softball, and/or football – he touched many lives on the fields teaching youth sports. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, whether sitting with them on a porch or getting a cup of coffee. He also loved to golf and fish, but his ultimate passion was hunting in the hills of Ohio and West Virginia.
Rod was preceded in death by his dad, William “Bill” Willis. He is survived by his mother, Mary Jane Willis; daughter, Melissa (Scott) Winters; sons, David (Angela) and Ben (Rachel) Willis; grandchildren, Grayson, Vada, Easton, and Emmett; brother, Randy Willis; long-time friend and love, Pat Hinkle; as well as countless friends.
A Funeral service will be held at 5 P.M. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, Ohio 44319 with Pastor Brenda Young officiating. Family and friends may call on Friday from 2 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made in Rod’s name to the Kiwanis Civic Center, P.O. Box 19186, Akron, Ohio 44319. To read more about Rod’s life and leave a special message for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.