It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of William Ervin Wills, Sr., age 89, of West Point, Virginia. William (known as “Billy” and also as “Popie”) left this world peacefully, surrounded by the immense love of his family on January 27, 2025.
Billy was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on July 3,1935. He embodied the values of hard work, humility, and unwavering dedication to family. A man of extraordinary character, he shared nearly seventy wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Grace Seward Wills, who preceded him in death. Together they built a legacy rooted in love, kindness, and faith, serving as an enduring example of devotion.
He was the proud father of three children: Mr. William “W.E.” Wills, Jr. (Rachel), Mrs. Robin Wills Williams (Jon) and Dr. Douglas Wills (Suzänne), each of whom carry forward his values and spirit. His wisdom, kindness and humility were treasures he imparted to his ten beloved grandchildren: Ben Wills (Meghan),Jordan Wills Sligh (Wesley), Winston Williams (Alisha), Garrett Williams, Kathleen Grace Williams Speidel (Chapin), Alex Wills, Justin Benkovsky (Meshva), Camden Benkovsky, Griffin Benkovsky, Bronson Benkovsky; and his five great-grandchildren, William Sligh, Virginia Grace Sligh, Lillian Sligh, Kate Wills and Jane Wills, all of whom were blessed to experience the warmth of his gentle and giving heart. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Aileen Tinsley Wills and Dewitt T. Wills, as well as his four siblings, Jack Wills, Thomas Wills, James Wills and Anne Wills Mayes.
Billy grew up with a strong work ethic, starting work as a young boy at a nearby dairy farm with his three brothers. After graduating from Pleasant Hill High School at the age of seventeen, he worked at the Chesapeake Corporation for almost ten years and left there in 1962 to begin a lifelong career of thirty-seven years as the agent for State Farm Insurance Company in West Point. He also was a certified electrician and shared an electrical business with his brother, Jack Wills.
Billy was an active member of his community throughout his entire life. He was a proud veteran of the United States National Guard in which he eagerly served his beloved country. He was also an active member of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce and was very proud to call himself a “Jaycee.” He served as president of the West Point Jaycees in the 1960’s. He was a member of the West Point Masonic Lodge # 238. He was also an active member of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce and was very proud to call himself a “Jaycee.” He served as president of the West Point Jaycees in the 1960’s. He was also a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the West Point Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He served several years as an elected councilman on the West Point Town Council and as a scout leader of the West Point Boy Scout Troop. He was a member of the West Point Lions Club and a life-long long member of Ducks Unlimited. However, his most cherished role was that of a devoted and loving husband, dedicated and adoring father, as well as grandfather, and most importantly a faithful child of God. He was a long time, dedicated member of First Baptist Church, West Point, where he served as a Deacon, chairman of the Deacons and a Sunday School teacher.
Billy’s hobbies included fishing, hunting and occasional golf and hunting trips with his “good buddies.” He was also extremely crafty and artistic having made many handmade treasures over the years such as wooden cheeseboards and lamps for family and friends. He enjoyed traveling and was able to visit many places around the world with his wife, family and friends. A treasured, lifetime family memory is of the five-week cross country camping trip that he took his wife and children on during one of the school summer breaks.
His faithful love of God, his heartfelt care for all people and the sincere kindness and desire to always help those in need will be his lasting legacy.
Rest in Peace Dear Popie!
Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church West Point in memory of William E. Wills, Sr.
