NEW ORLEANS -- Bobby Willis, a former WWL-TV news engineer who was a longtime member of the station’s morning news staff and is also fondly remembered for coaching youth sports in New Orleans, died Monday after a long battle with cancer. He was 52.
Willis was a news engineer at Channel 4 for more than two decades, beginning his career on “PM Magazine,” the popular 1980s show hosted by Eric Paulsen and Lea Sinclair. Willis later worked on WWL’s top-rated “Eyewitness Morning News,” which expanded from two to four hours during his tenure.
But it was sharing his own personal story and struggle with cancer which earned him the respect and admiration of many of his co-workers and even total strangers.
WWL-TV anchor Sally-Ann Roberts profiled Willis as one of her “Quiet Heroes” in 1999, soon after he was diagnosed and underwent surgery for prostate cancer.
In the profile, Willis spoke to a group of men at a local church, encouraging them to get tested for the disease, having learned himself that early detection is key to fighting prostate cancer.
“Three months ago I was just coming home from the hospital and Dr. Walter Rayford and his early detection saved my life,” Willis told the crowd.
“I’m a young man. I’m 42 years old,” he said at the time. “I never thought I would be diagnosed with prostate cancer,” he said, adding that several relatives had battled the disease, which encouraged him to get tested.
Willis was applauded by many in the group that day for speaking candidly about his experience and his fears, in the hope of getting men to overcome their fear of the disease. Early detection is credited with helping him survive and fight the disease for another 11 years.
Colleagues remember Willis as a positive presence in the newsroom, where deadline news and live television can bring added stress. Willis took it all in stride, many of his former co-workers remembered.
“Bobby's outgoing personality, his laugh and his friendship added so much to all of our lives,” said morning and noon news anchor Eric Paulsen.
Executive news director Chris Slaughter recalled Willis’ dedication as a volunteer coach in Pontchartrain Park, where his leadership even helped send some players on to future sports careers.
“Bobby loved coaching and as he gained seniority here at WWL, he was offered a different shift. He declined, saying he would rather work overnights so he could coach the kids,” said Slaughter.
He is survived by his wife and two sons. Funeral arrangements are pending.
