David Scott Willis, Sr, age 83, of Elkton, MD passed away from us on July 22, 2024, surrounded by his devoted sons and wife. His sudden departure has left us deeply saddened, but we are comforted in remembering his full and happy life.

The son of Arnold Willis and Elizabeth (Senker) Willis, Dave was born in Wilmington, DE, and raised on Laurel Run Farm in Leeds, MD. He loved working outdoors, managing woods and trees, and all animals, wild and domesticated. This affection would continue throughout his life.

David graduated from Elkton High School where he played football, and then attended the University of Maryland. He was a member of the National Guard. Dave worked as a lineman for  25 years for Conowingo Power Company, and later for PECO where he was promoted to safety instructor. After retirement, Dave went to work in his son's business selling insurance.

During the middle years he and his wife, Gale, raised two sons and were fully engaged in the life of their community. He loved baseball and was an enthusiastic coach and mentor in Little League for many years. Whether running kids to and from practice, pursuing the next great real estate deal, sitting on the Boards of the Library and chairing the Real Estate Appeals Board, Dave, who became Poppy, did everything with zeal and humor. Dave also sat on the Board of Trustees at the United Methodist Church. He sold real estate for over 50 years and loved golfing at the Newark Country Club. People and their doings were of great interest to him, and he could strike up a conversation with anyone. The progress and activities of his grandchildren became central to his life. He never missed a game, and there were many.  He will be greatly missed, and never replaced.

Dave was proceeded in death by his brother and friend, Peter (Linda).  Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Gale, sister, Judy Abbruzzesi, sons David Jr. (Amy) and Gregory (Lindsay). Grandchildren Lily (Reid), David III, Mae, Katie, Ava and Grey, niece Deborah Lynn (Mike).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Elkton United Methodist Church, 219 E Main St Elkton, MD 21921. Visitation at 10 am, 12 pm service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Save the Bay Foundation, or to Elkton United Methodist Church.