Claude Nelson Willis Sr., age 67, of Stevens Avenue in Irvine, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home. He was born June 8, 1958, in Estill County, Kentucky and was the son of the late Charles Willis and Etta Marie Estes Willis. He retired from the American Tobacco Co., and he attended the Substation Free Pentecostal Church. He had lived in Estill County all his life. He is survived by:
His wife: Rhonda Riddell Willis
2 daughters: Belinda Addison - Lee Co.
Betty Ramos - Estill Co.
2 sons: Jeff Wilson - Estill Co.
Claude Willis II - Estill Co.
2 sisters: Bessie (Ray) Winkler - Estill Co.
Sue Patrick - Owenton
10 grandchildren: Hailey Wilson, Andrew Samples, Rylan George, Selena (Colton) Willis, Deana (Sabastian) Ramos, Claude Willis III, Neila Willis, Brooke (Cameron) Tipton, Destiny Addison, and Dylan Addison
9 great grandchildren
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 sister, Nita Jane Tipton, and 1 brother, Danny Willis.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 16, 1 PM, at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at the Denny Riddell Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Pallbearers: Claude Willis II, Jeff Wilson, Claude Willis III, Dylan Addison, Matthew Riddell, and Colton Malicote
Honorary Pallbearers: Sebastian Jewels and Thomas Addison
Previous Events
Visitation
16
May
Funeral Service
16
May
