Richard Willis - Firefighter - South Carolina

Firefighter Richard William Willis, age 27, died on January 6, 2013, in St. George, South Carolina. 

He was not on duty. 

The pickup truck he was driving was struck by a train. The truck was dragged about 100 yards. The crossing has warning signs but no lights or mechanical arms blocking the crossing. 

Richard was known as "Richie" to his family and friends. He was a part-time member of the Santee Fire Department and volunteered for the Grover Fire Department.

Family members state that Richie dedicated his life to serving others. 

Fire Department officials stated that they are in shock over the death of Richard. They describe him as a self-starter, a people person, a team player and a leader. He was well on his way to achieving his life’s goal of becoming a career firefighter. He is also described as having a superb work ethic. He constantly trained and took courses to help him become better at his job.

Just last week, he had completed the national Firefighter I course, and he was excited about it.

Saint Florian, Patron
Saint of Firefighters,
pray for Richie

Richard often represented the Santee Fire Department at Orangeburg County Firefighters Association meetings. He also worked as an emergency medical technician with STAT Ambulance Service. He was a member of a local Methodist Church and was also a Steward at a nearby Masonic Lodge. 

Richard was an Army veteran.

Richard is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his wife, his 2 daughers and his stepson. 

Pray for those who die young and tragically. Amen. 

Thanks for your service, Richard. 

Let us pray that Richard Willis is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.