Billy Eugene Wills Sr., 80, of Terre Haute, In, was called to be with the Lord April 27, 2015 at Union Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Hensleytown, Ky, on January 2, 1935 to Mary E. Garnett Wills and John Wills. Billy married Sandra J. Miles November 19, 1995. He was a graduate of Gertsmeyer High School in 1953, after which he served his country in the United States Air Force for 2 years. He had a passion and loved to play baseball, and his talent led him to be invited to spring training camp for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was quite flattered to have such an invitation, but decided to take his career in another direction. Billy was a Terre Haute City Firefighter for over 30 years. During his time as a firefighter, he impressively never missed a day of work. “Captain”, “Chico”, “The Kid”, “Chief”, “Pop Pop” and “Pops” were all nicknames he was fondly given during his lifetime, and being a public servant provided the self-fulfillment that he wanted in his career. Billy always took pride in keeping himself physically fit. It was nothing unusual to see him power walking at least 3 miles every day around Collett Park, and even lifting weights on a regular basis. Billy loved the Lord, and he enjoyed being an usher at church. He was a faithful husband, beloved father, and loving grandfather. He was known by many as a father figure, mentor, and a friend that was always there to listen. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers James “Kirk” Wills, Alex E. Wills, his daughter Nancy K. Wills, and former wife, Lois V. Payne. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra J. Wills and his brother John T. Wills (Barbara), of Big River, California. Survivors also include sons, Gary E. Wills (Pamela) of Stockbridge, Ga, Billy E. Wills Jr., of Terre Haute, In, Alex E. Wills-Cruz (Armando), of Portland, Or, Melvin R. Bell of Cartersville, Ga. Daughters; Deborah K. Dixon (James) of Indianapolis, In, J. Nicole Whitaker (David) of Terre Haute, In, Rebecca L. Wells, of Long Beach, Ca, Lisa R. Kerr (Larry), of Compton, Ca, Marlene R. Adderison, of Los Angeles, Ca, and Darlene M. Adderison, of Los Angeles, Ca. Billy was also survived by 36 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews and other friends and relatives that he loved dearly and brought him great joy. The family would like to thank Union Hospital Staff for their kindness and compassion. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to UAP Bone and Joint Center, and Hux Cancer Center, for the smile they brought to Billy’s face daily after his retirement. Homecoming service will be 1:15 p.m. Saturday, May 2nd at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 1400 Oak Street, Terre Haute, Indiana 47807. Pastor Sheldon E. Floyd, and Rev. Cleytus Malone, officiating. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana has assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hux Cancer Center.
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Billy Wills
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