Russell E. “Huck” Willis, 81, of Hopedale, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at his home.

He was born July 26, 1941 in Mackinaw to Howard B. and Margaret L. Dukes Willis.  He married Carol Schott on July 29, 1960 in Groveland, and she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Danny (Pat) Willis, Darrin (Rose) Willis, and Donny (Annette) Willis, all of Hopedale; 10 grandchildren, Kim (Marc) Litwiller, Lori (Chad) Milliken, Greg (Amber) Willis, Trent (Holly) Willis, Larry (Rhonda) Maness, Mason (Danielle) Willis, Clayton ( Logan Tyson) Willis, Monique Chavez, Tyler (Madison) Bennet, and Alyssa (Hector) Rivera; 16 great grandchildren; and one brother, Richard (Debra) Willis of Augusta, GA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ralph Willis; and one sister, Carolyn Durdle.

Huck worked for Ray Wilson Masonry in Hopedale for 32 years then started his own business in 1991 until his retirement.

He was a member of the Antique Snowmobile Club and the Woodford County Snowmobile Club.

He was an avid collector of vintage and antique snowmobiles with many on display at the Willis Snowmobile Museum in Hopedale.

His funeral will be at 10:30 am Friday, May26, 2023 at Living Hope Community Church in Hopedale.  Pastor Roger Springer will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm Thursday,  also at the church.  Burial will be in Orndorff Cemetery in Hopedale.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Willis Snowmobile Museum, Hopedale Rescue Squad, Hopedale Fire Department, or Hopedale Hospital.