Willis L. Stockdale, 87, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away peacefully at the AdventHealth Hospital in Port Charlotte on Thursday, May 1st, 2025.

Born on April 28, 1938, in Lake Mills, Iowa, he was the son of Lola (Griffith) Stockdale and Milford Stockdale. In his teenage years, his family relocated to Gainesville, Florida, where he pursued his education at the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduating in 1962, Willis began his professional journey at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY, where he dedicated nearly three decades (1962-1991) to his career and started a family.

A true enthusiast of the University of Florida Gators, he proudly bled orange and blue, and he was passionate about photography and the history of cameras and motion pictures. In 1966, Willis co-founded The Photographic Historical Society, the first organization devoted to preserving the history of photography and photographic antiques. He was also a fellow in the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and held several patents related to the 110-pocket instamatic, a project that ignited his passion for all things Kodak.

In his death, Willis expressed gratitude for the individuals and institutions that significantly impacted his life: his parents, Milford and Lola Stockdale; George Eastman of Eastman Kodak Company; colleagues and friends Chuck Hull, Paul Grigsby, Del Pendley, Jeff Pollock, and Don Windsor; the Eastman Kodak Company; the United States Naval Air Reserve; and Sandy Island Pond Beach, which he fondly claimed was “responsible for what little sanity he had left.” The family’s cherished place on Sandy Pond, where his children and grandchildren spend summers, remains a legacy that fosters a deep connection to him. Willis L. Stockdale’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved and knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Mary (Roach, Rodgers) Stockdale; his daughter, Saralyn Stockdale Lawn; his son-in-law, John Lawn; his grandchildren, Amy and Grant Lawn and his estranged son, Mark Stockdale. He is also survived by his brother, Ray Stockdale (Marie); five stepchildren: Margery (Clarke) Pyle, Amy Foxworth, A.J. Rodgers, Sr. (Alani), Joseph Rodgers (Jeannine), and Jeanne Wegman; and his many step-grandchildren, including James and Paul Rodgers, A.J. Jr. (USMC) and Anthony Rodgers, Matthew and Drew Wegman, and Karli Foxworth. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom he cherished: Cyndy Mantini (Louis), Nathan Williams, Tammy Dampier (Clyde), Steve Stockdale (Robyn), Mike Stockdale (Jerri), Kristin Stockdale (Eric), and Karmon Clay (Jason). He adored his step-great-grandchild, Mateo Foxworth. Willis was predeceased by his parents, Lola and Milford Stockdale; his sister, Maryann Williams (Ted); and his brother, Irving Robert Stockdale (survived by his wife Carol).

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM, Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in memory of Willis go to The Sandy Pond Channel Maintenance Association (SPCMA): PO Box 686, Sandy Creek, NY 13145 or Venmo@SPCMA.

Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.