Billy Ross Wills (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Billy Ross Wills was born February 5, 1930 in Springfield, Missouri to David Ross Wills and Ruby Harris Wills. He passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in Mercy Hospital, Lebanon, Missouri. At the time of his passing, Billy was ninety-three years, seven months and twenty-one days of age.
He lived his entire life in the Phillipsburg area and attended school in Phillipsburg, Missouri. On October 8, 1949, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Margaret Stratton. They welcomed three children to their family, George, Teresa and Loretta. Billy and Margaret shared over fifty-nine years of love, happiness and memories before Margaret passed away on December 30, 2008.
Billy was a farmer and was employed doing several different jobs His favorite employment was being a custodian for Conway High School. He enjoyed being around the young people and frequently related stories and names of young people he had known dating back to the sixties. He had an extraordinary memory for names and the “antics” that went with them. He maintained several of these friendships after he retired. He enjoyed going back to Conway High School to attend ballgames and practice his favorite hobby, photography.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret; his son, George Ross Wills; his daughter, Teresa Ann Wills; and his first grandson, which he had a very close relationship with, Mark Jason Brewer, who passed away at age twenty-seven.
He is survived by his daughter, Loretta Wills Brewer and her husband, Steve of Springfield, Missouri; his grandson, Shane Justin Brewer of Republic, Missouri; his brother, Curtis Eugene Wills of Lebanon, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was a member of Phillipsburg Methodist Church where he enjoyed teaching a Sunday School class.
Billy loved his family, friends and farming. He would frequently put out food for the deer, turkey, and other wildlife around his farm and enjoyed watching them come around and enjoy the offerings he had laid out for them. He was an avid dog lover and enjoyed history. Billy especially enjoyed studying the history, railroads, and music.
He was a loving father and grandfather will be missed by his family and friends. His faith and loyalty will forever be etched on the lives of those he touched.
Visitation will be held Monday evening, October 2, 2023 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. A private service and burial will be held.
A memorial to St. Jude's Hospital has been established and donations may be made through the funeral home.
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