Born in Ludington, MI on September 27, 1940, Russ was the youngest child of Lucille and Oliver Willis and little brother to Roslyn (Snooks). At a young age, he was struck by a car and survived thanks to the many blood donations of friends and family. Russ was affectionately known as Joe among family, friends, and residents throughout the small lakefront town. Precocious and witty, Joe sometimes found himself in trouble. Adding his mother's maiden name to his nickname gave birth to the alias Joe Brooks, which served him well. As Russ/Joe learned from the Jesuit community of Boysville in Southeast Michigan who took him in as a teenager, he was not a troubled boy but a boy with troubles.

He thrived there. Later Russ/Joe moved to Southern California to reunite with his mother and uncle. Not finding high school to his liking, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Maine where he earned his GED.

Now known as Russ, he completed his military service and visited Grand Rapids, MI, where his father Oliver lived. His short visit became his home for the rest of his life. Meeting Sharon, the two married and started their family. After having three sons, he was finally blessed with a daughter in the early seventies. While helping to raise four small children, Russ earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas college in 1976.

He was active in the Church and his children's school. Russ was an usher and Minister of the Eucharist at the Basilica of St. Adalberts, a booster at the school, called bingo for 12 years at West Catholic, and made many friends along the way.

He loved the annual trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama he made with Sharon and a motley crew of friends. Russ welcomed new members to the family; spouses, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren and he found them all to be delightful. He also loved entertaining and prided himself on his snack trays, bountiful meals, and stiff Manhattans.

After battling cancer twice, and losing most of his hearing, Russ was diagnosed with Dementia in 2020. Eventually he required around the clock care and moved to Edison Christian Life Services. Even with a limited ability to communicate, he made friends with the staff and residents. His family is forever grateful for the exceptional care he  received at Edison, the Hope Network, and SarahCare.

Russ will be remembered among his friends and family for the gift of his humor, his lightheartedness, the generosity of his spirit, the giving of his time, and living his faith. But above all, Russ' biggest impact on the world is his enduring kindness. He taught those around him the power of kindness and his legacy will be felt for generations. Russ' family includes his wife Sharon, children Scott (dec'd) (Suzanne) Willis, Tim Willis (Michele), Todd Willis (Anne), Kristie Willis (Scott Jolman). Grandchildren include Kendall (Colton Gregory) Willis, Lindsey Noegroho (Alan), Jonathan (Abigail) Willis, Rebecca Willis, Renee Willis, Alyssa Byrd, Tom Willis, Morgan Willis, Lucy Jolman, and great grandchildren Kamden Willis, and Lincoln Laroux.

A funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at the Basilica of St. Adalberts at 11am where a visitation will be held at 10am.