Reginald Dion Willis, 61, of Orlando, departed this life on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Reginald was born on July 10, 1962 in Atlanta, GA to the late Grant Lee and Geraldine Willis. He was educated in the Atlanta Public Schools attending E. R. Carter Elementary, Tull C. Waters Elementary and graduated from C. L. Harper High School in 1980.
During his early years, Dion loved his metallic miniature matchbox cars and Hot Wheels racing car sets. He spent endless hours dreaming of red cars and racing motors. He could be seen rolling dangerously fast down any neighborhood sidewalk on his three-wheeled orange, blue and yellow ‘Big Wheel’ – of course doing a 360 screeching ‘wheely’ at the bottom of the hill. He built scooters out of discarded wood pieces and old metal skates. He had a ‘need for speed’ at an early age and spent entire Saturdays jumping cardboard ramps on an old rusty dusty dirt bike.
Dion is survived by siblings John Ivory (Louise), LaVerne Ivory, Don Ivory and twin sister, Regina Harden (Christopher). He was preceded in death by siblings Vicki Ivory, Stephen Howard Crawford and Miriam Crawford.
Reginald’s true calling in life was morphing into “Uncle Dion!” He was good for running around the house with all his nieces and nephews during the holiday gatherings. The children loved riding on his back, running and hiding from him around the house and just being loud and rowdy with Uncle Dion. The house was never quiet when Uncle Dion was home with his “Peeps” – as he called them. Uncle Dion got the greatest joy when his grown nieces and nephews would drop by his home in Orlando with their own children. A good time was had by all when in the company of the world’s greatest Uncle! He was affectionally called “Uncle Dion” by Sabrina, Michelle, John, Jr., Sean, Shenika, Shayla, Michael, Shaquana, Gerrica, Warren, Carcelia, Corsay, Stephen and Kimberly. He was also the fun uncle to a host of great nieces and nephews.
Dion will be missed by a host of cousins, friends, and loved ones especially little Quardale Dexter. Quardale affectionately called Dion, “Paw-Paw!” He will also be missed by special friends and extended family members, Kenyatta Dexter and Lance Liput.
The family will receive guest (calling hours) for Reginald on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Postell’s Mortuary Chapel, Orlando.