John Roark Willis

John Roark Willis, 62, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Hospice at Gilchrist in Howard County, Columbia, Maryland, after suffering two strokes. He was carefully and compassionately treated prior to that at University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at both facilities for their dedication, professionalism, and kindness during this difficult time. John was born on October 16, 1963, in California and was raised in the Rolling Acres community of Cheltenham, Maryland. From an early age, he possessed a deeply analytical mind and a scientific curiosity that stayed with him throughout his life. He first attended the University of Maryland, where he pursued undergraduate studies in Anthropology with an emphasis in Medical Anthropology and Cultural Geography. He later continued his undergraduate studies in Computer Engineering, focusing on C/C++ programming and Operating System design. His academic path reflected both his fascination with human systems and his deep understanding of technical ones. John spent the majority of his professional career as a Senior Analyst with RadixII, Inc. in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He was respected for his intelligence, precision, and depth of knowledge. An avid sailor and lifelong computer enthusiast, John was scientific, thoughtful, and exceptionally smart. He dedicated a meaningful portion of his life to caring for his longtime friend, David Doyle, and in recent years helped care for his parents while they resided in a nursing home. He showed up for the people he loved — steadily and without recognition. John is survived by his father, Linwood Francis Willis; his mother, Ina Patricia Willis; his sister, Ina Michelle Willis Shaffer; his brother-in-law, Robert William Shaffer; his niece, Ashley Noel Shaffer Rhodes; his nephew, Robert Willis Shaffer; his great-nieces, Arayla Michelle Rhodes, Rory Grace Rhodes, and Aspen May Shaffer; and by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Due to his parents residing in a nursing home in North Carolina, a Celebration of Life may be held at a later date near his home in La Plata, Maryland. John will be remembered for his sharp intellect, his steady presence, and the quiet loyalty that defined his life. For those who wish to honor John’s memory, memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Stroke Foundation (www.thestrokefoundation.org) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), in recognition of the health challenges that touched our family.”

John Roark Willis

October 16, 1963 - February 23, 2026