Larry Franklin Willis

Dr. Larry F. Willis, known to many simply as "Doc," beloved father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the age of 82. Larry was born on October 14, 1943, in Bartow County, Georgia. A veteran of the United States Navy, he earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He devoted his career to ophthalmology as the founder of Morganton Eye Physicians, where he practiced for many years and helped generations of patients in the foothills see the world more clearly. He took great pride in caring for his patients.

Outside of medicine, Larry loved the outdoors and spent many happy hours hunting and fishing, both close to home and as far away as the remote Alaskan wilderness. He enjoyed traveling and visited many places throughout the world. His family has fond memories of taking a helicopter ride in Hawaii and scuba diving in Aruba with him. He cherished his time at Lake James, where he enjoyed his home, boat, fish pond, pets, and family. An avid animal lover, he was the pet parent over the years to many animals, including two English bulldogs, Onassis and Scarlett, many cats, both domestic and wild, two highly opinionated birds, and even a hedgehog. A Georgia native through and through, he was a devoted fan of the University of Georgia Bulldogs and rarely missed a football game.

Larry loved his family and will be deeply missed by his daughter, Heather Willis, and her husband, Ryan Nesbitt, of Blowing Rock; his son, Derek Willis, and his wife, Corina, of Santiago, Chile; his grandchildren, Bridger, Emory, and Luca; and his sisters, Nadine Croft and Vickie Willis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willy "Bill" Franklin Willis and Geneva Bessie Ella Sanders Willis.

Larry will be remembered for his generosity and his willingness to help those in times of need, whether it was a family member, a friend, or an employee. He was adventurous, funny, and often fierce in his convictions. At work, he appreciated the people around him and understood that his work was possible because of the work and devotion of others. Doc leaves behind a legacy not only through his distinguished career and the lives he touched as a physician, but through the memories he created with the people he loved. From grilling out on his porch at home to tailgating at Georgia football games and traveling with his family, his life was filled with experiences that will be remembered and treasured.

As he wished, Larry will be cremated, and a gathering of family and friends will be planned to celebrate his life and memory.

Go Dawgs!

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.caringcremations.net. The Willis family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations in Hickory. 609 Highland Avenue SE, Hickory, NC 28602.