Earl Willis

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
Earl “Michael” Willis passed away in the early morning of May 16, 2021 after accomplishing one of his life’s goals – completing a 100-mile ultramarathon in memory of his sister, Rachael. Michael was a beloved husband to his wife Megan and son to his parents Cristal and Earl Willis.

Michael was a graduate of Catholic High School and LSU, where he held numerous leadership roles with his fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. He was an active advocate and volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and served as an intern for Congressman Bill Cassidy and South LA Field Representative for Congressman Ralph Abraham. Michael previously served as Vice President of Business Development for Checkmate Strategies and was currently serving as Vice President of advocacy for the Center for Development and Learning. Michael founded his charity, Running for Rachael, to honor his sister and was dedicated to raising money to help young people battling cancer.

While Michael’s accomplishments in his 27 years were many, he is most remembered for his big smile, larger than life personality and bear hugs. His devotion to his wife, family and his faith were an inspiration to all those he met. His light and love will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Monday, May 24, 2021 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  Visitation will continue at Most Blessed Sacrament on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, from 9:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Brusly, LA.  Michael is survived by his wife Megan; parents Earl and Cristal Willis; brother Nicholas Boudreaux; nephews, Noah and Nicholas Boudreaux; mother and father in-law Cris and Tim Voda of Miami, FL; sister-in-law Katie Voda; aunts Chenny LeBlanc of Brusly, Brandon and Kay Willis of Pierre Part, Skip and Andrea Cleveland of Donaldsonville, Claiborne Simoneaux Jr of Port Allen, and Stephanie Palmer of Plaquemine; and numerous cousins including Lacey Ellis (Bob) and Tessa Danna (Patrick); and “honorary” nieces and nephews Beau and Lilly Seymour, Caroline and Harrison Danna; and his beloved dog Huey. He is preceded in death by his sister, Rachael Willis; paternal grandparents, Mildred Ourso Willis Burleigh and Ferrel Lee Willis; and maternal grandparents, Julia and Claiborne Simoneaux; and his beloved dog Colonel.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Running for Rachael at www.runningforrachael.org.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.