In Loving Memory of Lorenzo Willis

September 8, 1929 – May 29, 2025

Lorenzo Willis, a loving father, devoted husband, pioneering engineer, and proud US Army Veteran, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on September 8, 1929, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, he was the youngest of seven children born to Britt and Fannie Willis.

Raised during the Great Depression, Lorenzo understood sacrifice and hard work from a young age. He helped support his family by washing windows for downtown merchants in Muskogee. These early lessons in duty and responsibility would shape his character for a lifetime.

Lorenzo graduated from Manual Training High School in Muskogee with the Class of 1948. He was an active student, serving as class Treasurer, singing in the School Chorus, playing baseball with the Boys Athletic Club, and earning the title of “Most Handsome Senior.”

He went on to attend Langston University, but his college education was interrupted by the Korean War. Answering the call of duty, Lorenzo enlisted in the US Army, where he served with distinction as a Private First Class and Engineer. His military service introduced him to the fields of architecture, engineering, and transportation infrastructure, laying the groundwork for a remarkable career. He was honorably discharged in December 1952 and became a member of the Society of American Military Engineers.

After returning home, Lorenzo reunited with his high school sweetheart, Willa Mae Lee, Willa had been voted “Miss Manual” and Most Likely To Succeed, during their High School senior year together at Manual Training. Willa was away from her home in Muskogee, attending college at Howard University, in Washington D.C. and after graduation, they were married. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Lynda Karen. Lorenzo later moved to Los Angeles, joining two of his older siblings, Elizabeth Willis-Moaning and George Willis. He enrolled at Los Angeles Trade Technical College using the GI Bill to further his studies in Engineering Technology.

Lorenzo’s professional journey led him to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, where he became one of the first African American engineers in the department. Over a 33-year career, he rose to the position of Supervisor of Water Operations, retiring in 1989. He was honored with a California Legislature Assembly Resolution presented by the Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa, who was Speaker of the Assembly at the time and later became Mayor of Los Angeles. The resolution recognized Lorenzo for “exceptional public service in outstanding performance of duties in 1985 during the Baldwin Hills fire, as well as recognition by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18 for dedication and service to the trade.

In 1960, a chance encounter at 99th Street School led him to the love of his life, Wilma Eleanor Johnson. They were married on December 19, 1964, and had two children, Lorenz Brent and Kimberly Rachelle Willis Gagnier. Their union lasted 53 years until Wilma’s passing in 2018. Kimberly also preceded Lorenzo in death, passing in 2022.

A man of deep faith, Lorenzo joined Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1958 and served faithfully on the Steward Board. He also gave generously of his time and talents in numerous community and civic organizations, including Most Worshipful Master, Highland Heights Lodge No. 59 Prince Hall of the Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California Inc., the highest honor to which a lodge may appoint any of its members. Ladera Heights Civic Association; Ladera Heights Little League as Baseball Coach, Volunteer at the Crenshaw and Westchester YMCAs, Jack and Jill of America, and as Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, Los Angeles Area Council, Pack 10, Troop 10. The LAAC was one of the first councils organized in the United States and is one of the largest councils still in existence.

Lorenzo Willis was known for his wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to his family, community, and faith. He believed in building bridges, literally and figuratively, and left behind a blueprint for a life well lived.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Karen Garcia; his son Lorenz Brent Willis and daughter-in-law Adrienne Willis; his son-in-law Monte Gagnier; four grandchildren, Elena Manual, Kenyatta (Keno) Lucas II, Mizan Asha Willis, and Zaki Bykusenge Willis, and a host of extended relatives, friends, and colleagues who cherished and admired him.

His life was a living testimony to faith, discipline, and purpose. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Scripture

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 3:14 (KJV)

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