Chriss Allen Willavize

Chriss Allen Willavize was born December 15th, 1949, and left us on March 21st, 2026, after a well fought battle with cancer.

Chriss was born to Treva Gates and Russel Willavize (Battle Creek) and had five brothers and sisters. Chriss was dedicated to his country and at the early age, 17, enlisted in the Army. He bravely served his country in Vietnam for close to three years, and was honorably discharged from the military with two purple hearts and stories to tell. Upon returning to the states Chriss joined the Painter’s Union and proudly worked among his Union friends and family for 32 years.

While he was proud of his service and painting careers, nothing made him happier than his children. Chriss was a father to five, a blended family with the love of his life, Dianna. Each of his children brought joy to Chriss, watching them grow and become the adults they are was something he was proud of and smiled about regularly. As the ‘kids’ grew up and started having children of their own, Chriss’s excitement for the next generation showed through. The love Chriss had for his grandchildren knew no bounds, teaching them how to fix a car and attending school events were things he especially enjoyed.

Chriss was preceded in death by both his parents, his sisters Gloria (Chicky), Shannon, and Jody, along with his favorite person, his wife Dianna.

Chriss is survived by his brother Steve and sister Robin, and his loving children - Chriss II (Billie), Edward, William (Stephanie), Shawn (Hilary) & Kristin (Ricky), grandchildren -Jessica, Chrisstopher, Sebastian, Whitney, Caleb, Justine and soon to be Madalyn. Countless aunts, uncles, and cousins are lucky enough to still be present to remember Chriss.

Chriss lived well, loved hard, and left us better than he found us. Rest easy Chriss, we will take it from here.

The family will receive friends 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care where services to celebrate his life will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2026. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans – who provide life changing services to the men and women who have selflessly served our country. Disabled American Veterans – please note in honor of Chriss Willavize.  Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Chriss may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.