Frederick C. Willis III

Passed April 14, 2026

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Obituaries

Frederick C. Willis III

Click Here:Memorial Service LiveStream

Frederick C. Willis III, 56, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on April 14, 2026.

Fred lived a full and generous life, defined by his deep love for his family, his easygoing nature, and the way he showed up for others without hesitation.

He shared 30 years of marriage with Angie Willis, with whom he raised his children, Joshua (23), Gabe (22), and Lily (19).

Fred built an impactful career at Boston Scientific, where he played an instrumental role in establishing and growing the company’s presence in spinal cord stimulation (SCS). He was known not only for his expertise, but for his compassion, patience, and commitment to improving the lives of patients. He took pride in his work and in the strong relationships he built with colleagues and physicians alike.

Outside of work, Fred embraced life fully. He had a passion for fitness and a love of great food, always enjoying new restaurants and experiences. He was a natural host who loved bringing people together and was known for his generosity, and never hesitated to give his time or resources to others. Fred had a great sense of humor, enjoyed sharing jokes, and brought a lighthearted energy to those around him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Willis of Vicksburg, MI.

He is survived by his children and their mother, Cary, NC; his father, Frederick C. Willis II of Vicksburg, MI; his brothers, Mike Willis (Dawn) of Vicksburg, MI, and Rob Willis (April) of Lawton, MI; and his sister, Michelle Fruehauf (Mike) of Portage, MI.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 18th at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC, at 3:00 PM. The family will greet guests after the sevice.

A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow at The Terrace Raleigh, 225 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC.

Live Stream

Services

18 Apr

Memorial Service

03:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
Obituaries
18 Apr

Receiving of Family and Friends

03:45 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
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18 Apr

Celebration of Life

05:00 PM

The Terrace Raleigh 225 S Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »
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Tributes

  • The Peace Lily

    Adam Fort sent The Peace Lily for Frederick C. Willis III - April 17, 2026

    In loving memory of Fred, our wonderful childhood friend and neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Buzz, Dana, Adam & Diane Fort

    Send flowers for Frederick C. Willis III

  • Gracious Lavender Basket

    Lydia Watson sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Frederick C. Willis III - April 16, 2026

    Dear Gabe and Family, You are in our prayers often. May our Abba Father comfort you in His love as you lean into His Son, our Lord Jesus. Love, Sarah, Lydia and Bruce Watson

Condolences

  • Obituaries

    April 28, 2026

    Fred was so incredibly kind. He will truly be missed. I worked with him in my time in North Carolina. My deepest condolences go out to his family.

  • April 22, 2026

    My thoughts & prayers go out the Willis family. Although I didn't personally know Fred, I do know some of his family. May God wrap his loving arm around you during this difficult time. Hugs to Michelle, Mikey & Mitch🫶

  • April 18, 2026

    My most sincere condolences to the family. Fred was a great friend and one that I am proud to have called a colleague and partner in the neuromodulation space. I'll miss seeing him cover my stimulator trials and the joy of talking and joking with him. He will be forever fondly remembered. I hope the family knows what a treasure Fred truly was to the medical community of North Carolina and how many lives he positively impacted.

  • April 18, 2026

    We have known Fred and his family since he was young. We always loved his nice and caring attitude. We were so excited when he married into the Brown family. We felt so blessed, and especially the wonderful family he brought to this world. We will definitely miss him. We send prayers to the Willis family, and to Angie, Josh, Gabe and Lily. Love and Prayers Aunt Gloria and Uncle Lynn Brown

  • Obituaries

    April 17, 2026

    Fred was one Iof my stimulator representative. I saw him on friday at 1 with Dr Gabriel zsmith. He reprogrammed my stimulator and really helped my nerve pain. He was a generous man, full of life and always tried to help me. I am praying for his family. His Boston scientific family and his friends.

  • April 17, 2026

    Fred was a wonderful son, brother and dad,. He will be greatly missed. He will be remembered and not forgotten. We loved you Fred. Sorry we can't attend the service but will be there in spirit and may God bless you all.

  • April 17, 2026

    Fred was truly one of the very best of people. I am so very grateful for his lifelong friendship. We became friends way back in third grade and his levity, humor, kindness and generosity has been a huge part of my life ever since. My heart is with Ang, the kids, and the entire Willis family. He will be deeply missed.

  • April 16, 2026

    My uncle Fred was one of my best friends in my life and growing up! He mentored me even when I didn't know it! He was one the best friends I had! He loved his family and especially Angie and she is one of the best persons I have met in my life! Their whole family when I see them it means the world to me! I am so sorry for all of you I know in my heart god will be with you!♥️

  • Obituaries

    April 16, 2026

    Fred, you will be so missed. I will always remember your kind presence and your great smile. All my sympathies to your family.

  • April 16, 2026

    My heart goes out to you Angie, Josh, Gabe,Lily and to all of Fred's family on his tragic passing. Please accept my deepest condolences and love - Robin

  • April 16, 2026

    Fred, you were such a special and instrumental person in my life. Meeting you changed the entire course of our lives, as we wouldn't have settled here in Pinehurst without you making that connection. You had such a big heart, and you were always there to lend a helping hand. You were quick with a joke when I was taking life too seriously. My favorite memories of you include 4th of July with your family when Chloe was a baby and all those lunches together during fellowship. You were a beloved friend and will be greatly missed.

  • April 16, 2026

    Fred, I can't believe you're gone, buddy. Although we didn't stay in regular touch, I'm grateful to have heard your voice several times over the past month. You were the one that saw something in me and gave me my shot in this industry. I'll never forget doing business with you, learning this therapy, our goofy car rides together, and talking about God, family, life, and spinal cord stimulation. Love you my man.

  • April 15, 2026

    I am a long-time coworker of Fred's and I lost my mom last Monday, April 6th. This is the message that Fred kindly sent me the next day. It meant a lot to me. "Hey just wanted to say so sorry to hear about your mother. Thinking of you. Lost my mom a few years ago always really tough. If there's anything I can do not sure what but praying for u!"

  • April 15, 2026

    My son played basketball with Gabe, years ago and I always loved talking with you and Angie at practices and games. You two were always so kind to everyone.This is heartbreaking.

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