Lloyd "Pike" Arnold Willits

Lloyd “Pike” Arnold Willits, age 87, of Flint, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Durand Senior Care. In accordance with Lloyd’s wishes cremation has taken place.

Full military service will take place at 1:00 PM, Friday, July 10, 2026 at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rodman Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201.

Here are the instructions for accessing the Rock Island National Cemetery located at Rock Island Arsenal: Check In first: Before you come, visit the Rock Island Arsenal Visitor Welcome Center. They will give you a visitor pass to access the cemetery for the burial. The Visitor Center accepts walk-ins, just outside the Moline Gate at 23 Prospect Drive, Rock Island, IL. If you have questions, you can call the US Army visitor office at 1-309-782-1337 for more information or cemetery office at 1-309-784-0000, option 0.

Lloyd was born on July 3, 1938 in New Boston, Illinois, the son of the late Lloyd L. and Leona (King) Willits. He graduated from New Boston High School, class of 1957. Following his education, Lloyd proudly enlisted into the United States Army on August 8, 1961. He served for almost 6 years during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on July 24, 1967. Shortly after the military, Lloyd began working for the United States Air Force as a Civil Engineer for 27 and a half years until his retirement as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1998. He received the Meritorious Service Medal in May 1993. He was a past member of the South Mundy United Methodist Church. Lloyd was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his dogs and hunting.

He is survived by his 8 children, Laurie (Ron) Ross, Lloyd E. (Gina) Willits, Jeff (Barbara) Willits, James Willits, Bonnie (Sam) Brater, Merry Lynn (Don) Kirkhove, Lucy Morrison, and Anna (Robert) Rothlisberger; 34 grandchildren; many many great-grandchildren; and 3 siblings, Druscilla “Sis” Miller, Andy Willits and Jake Willits.

In addition to his parents, Lloyd was preceded by brother, Marion “Digger” Willits, sister, Janet Ehlers; and his beloved dog, Bella. Arrangements were entrusted to Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com