Garl Lee Willis, lovingly known as "Punky" in his younger years, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the age of 74. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his devoted family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.

A celebration of Garl's life will be held from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 798 Willow Rd., Sand Springs. At 2 p.m. military honors will be presented by the U.S. Army and American Legion Billie A. Hall Post 17.

Garl was born on January 31, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Dyton Ray Willis and Etta Pauline (Battenfield) Willis. He grew up in Tulsa and attended McLain High School, where he stood out as a talented baseball player. During his senior year, he attended Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, where he met the love of his life, Sue Ann Fisher. The two were married on December 6, 1968, in Wagoner, and together they shared over 56 years of love, laughter, and dedication.

Early in his working life, Garl was employed at Phillips 66 and McKissick Products. In the late 1970s, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the United States Army. Though he had aspired to join the Green Berets, his skill and determination led him instead to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team. He proudly served as a Specialist 5 Sergeant and thrived in the highly specialized EOD role. One fond family memory includes a mission that brought Garl to Disney, allowing his wife and daughters to enjoy the park.

Following his military service, Garl continued serving his community as a police officer with the Sand Springs Police Department for four years during the 1980s. Alongside Lt. Daniel Bradley, they formed the gun team, and won several sharpshooter awards at competitions. His daughters cherish memories of their dad picking them up in his patrol car and playfully pulling them over when they were out with friends.

Garl later joined the City of Tulsa Animal Shelter as the Lead Animal Cruelty Investigator and Manager, a position he held with deep compassion. Over the years, several lucky dogs found not just safety, but a permanent home with Garl.

A proud member of the Cherokee Nation, Garl was recognized as a Certified Cherokee Warrior. His love of his heritage shone through in his beadwork—he crafted bracelets and necklaces, many of which he sold at the Cherokee Trading Post. He was also an accomplished woodworker and artist, gifting beautifully made cedar chests to all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several honorary grandchildren.

Garl was a man of many talents and passions. He was a HUGE OSU wrestling fan, and also cheered enthusiastically for both OU and OSU football and baseball. He enjoyed fishing, going to the gun range, and was a hard-core golfer. A self-taught guitar player, Garl often played and sang at Fisher Baptist Church. He loved to two-step, laugh, create, and pour himself into the people he loved.

Above all, Garl was a God-fearing, selfless, and fiercely loving man with a mischievous sense of humor and a generous heart. He was strong, creative, and the anchor of his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry Willis; and his sister, Pamela Mabes.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 56 ½ years, Sue Willis of the home; daughters, Jennifer Fain and husband Gary of Tulsa, and Whitney Burns of Sand Springs; grandchildren, Courteney Cross and husband Kyler of Sand Springs, Ashlyn Maple and husband Jordon of Tulsa, Toni Fain of Atlanta, Georgia, and Madison "Madie" Burns of Sand Springs; great-grandchildren, Mallory, Weston, Hadley, Rowon, Harrison, and Dawson; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Garl's legacy of strength, creativity, and love will live on in the lives of all who knew him.