Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
Send a Gift
Sunday, July 19, 2026
5:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Monday, July 20, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Monday, July 20, 2026
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Sonny passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Bay City at the age of 81. He was born to the late Floyd and Dorothy (Mann) Willett on April 9, 1945 in Standish, Michigan. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 414. Although he retired several years ago, he was never one to sit still. He enjoyed staying busy and continued working as a truck driver for Bay Dust Control. Sonny was involved in his community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed volunteering at football games, helped build the new concession stand at John Glen High School, and looked forward to volunteering at football camp each year.
Sonny was a devoted family man who took great pride in supporting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events and other activities. He was passionate, outspoken, and never afraid to speak his mind. He was known for his unforgettable sense of humor, he always had a joke ready and could make anyone smile
Sonny had many hobbies and interests that kept him active throughout his life. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, hunting, shooting pool, playing blooper ball, competing in the Senior Olympics, snowplowing, and playing cards, especially euchre and Texas Hold'em. He had a deep love for classic cars and even had one of his own. In his spare time, he loved working on mechanical projects and fixing things. Sonny had a true love for life and embraced every opportunity.
Sonny is survived by his wife of 39 years, Dawn (McTaggart) Willett, whom he married on December 5, 1986. He is also survived by his children, Tammie Lorenz, Jeff (Holli) Willett, Brandon Willett (Kristin Pajot) and Justin (Danielle) Willett; grandchildren, Jimmy Lorenz, Cairra Berry, Rebecca Kaczmarek, Anna O’Farrell, Kinsley Willett and Jaxon Willett; great grandchildren, Aireonna, Aleeya and Addison Lorenz, Dereon Mircle, Zayvion Vanderpool, Evelyn Kaczmarek and Stiles O’Farrell; sisters, Joan Johns and Kathleen Willett-Spates; brother, Robert “Butch” Willett; brother-in-law, Duane (Annette) McTaggart; sister-in-law, Linda McTaggart and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbie Lawton; brother, Frank Willett and brother-in-law, Dennis McTaggart.
Funeral service for Sonny will take place on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home with interment to follow at Floral Gardens Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wishes of the Family.
Gephart Funeral Home
Gephart Funeral Home
Gephart Funeral Home
Visits: 80
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors