Bruce Willis went into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, May 6, 2006. He doesn't need his wheelchair any more. Bruce was involved in a motor vehicle accident December 18, 1995, and had been confined to a wheelchair and sustained a life-changing brain injury that left him unable to care for himself. For the last 10 years, Bruce has been cared for by his loving wife and best friend, Debbi, and his three children, Jason and his daughter Krista, and Luke Willis and Amber Conner as well as his parents, Dallas and Margaret.Bruce was born to Dallas L. and Margaret (Bonner) Willis on December 1, 1951 in Midland, Texas. He graduated in 1971 from Midland High School where he played football. He graduated from United Electronics Institute in Dallas, Texas in October 1973. Bruce married Debbi Builta on April 14, 1973 and` they just celebrated their 33rd anniversary. At the time of his accident, he had been employed at Southwestern Bell for many years. Bruce was a member of Kelview Heights Baptist Church for 24 years and was very active in the media ministry before his accident.Bruce is survived by his wife, Debbi Willis of Midland; his parents, Dallas and Margaret Willis of Midland; two sons, Jason Willis and Luke Willis both of Midland; one daughter and son-in-law, Amber and David Conner of Midland; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and DeDe Willis and Steve and JoAnne Willis all of Midland; four grandchildren, Krista Willis and Carissa, Jacob and Jayden Conner; and several nieces and nephewsBruce will be remembered as a loving and giving husband, a wonderful son and a great Dad and "Granddad-dad" as he was called by his youngest grandchild, Jayden. Bruce endured the last 10 years with dignity and grace while dealing with the many aspects of his injuries.The family would like to thank Dr. Roger Belizaire and Dr. P. V. Patel for their kindness at the time of Bruce's accident, and Dr. Raj Patel, for the many years of compassion and care he gave Bruce.Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at the Kelview Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Berry, pastor, and Rev. Bill Skaggs, associate pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 6 PM to 8 PM Monday at the funeral home.Pallbearers are cousins, Kevin Williams and Keith McDaniel of Midland, Larry Leonard and Byron Leonard of Ft. Worth, Bruce's friend Sammy Reed of Midland and his childhood friend, Virgil Burge of Sonora.The family suggests memorials to Home Hospice, 901 W. Missouri, Midland, Texas 79701.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
