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. 

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 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