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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Willey, Rodney V.

Age 67

WILLEY, Rodney V. Rodney V. Willey of Davenport WA passed away peacefully at Lincoln Hospital May 24, 2013 as a result of a nine year battle fighting Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

He was a fighter every step of the way.

Born on July 21, 1945, he enjoyed an eventful 67 years of life and adventures.

As a young adult he studied a short time at Columbia Basin College prior to enlisting in the Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, courageously serving in Vietnam and returning to Travis Air Force Base, CA finishing a four year enlistment, followed by an honorable separation.

After the Air force, Rodney followed his ambitions and worked as a municipal fire fighter, Timex watch technician, Ford assembly line mechanic, while finally settling on his passion for electronics and earning a degree and certification at Spokane Community College.

Upon graduation, he completed a 21 year career with Hewlett Packard.

At the pinnacle of his career, he held the lead Electronics Quality Assurance and Operational Testing Technician position, ensuring the utmost equipment quality for highly sophisticated healthcare, microwave and cellular industry equipment.

Rodney was an only child of Floyd and Jessie Willey, married a few times and raised three children.

He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend who led a rewarding and fruitful life and will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew him.

He will be remembered for his unselfish willingness to drop everything to help anyone and never expecting anything in return, his love of animals, and his passion to learn new things.

He is survived by his son, Allen E. Willey and daughter-in-law Shereen R. Willey; his two daughters, Rachel L. Willey, Grace E. West and son-in-law Andy West; grandchildren, Ashley and Christian Willey.

Rodney was preceded in death by his second wife Mattie Willey, and parents Jessie and Floyd Willey.

Rodney Willey was interred at Mountain View Cemetery in Davenport, Washington honored by a small gathering of close friends and family on May 31 2013.

His memorial service will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church 1007 Washington St., Davenport, WA at 11:00AM June 22, 2013 with a hot meal to follow provided by the Lutheran Angel Corps in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Friends and family are invited to attend to share memories we had with Rodney.

Dad we love you!

Rest in Peace.

Strate Funeral Home is caring for the family!