Collins
Richard Wills

Funeral services with military honors for Mr. Richard Wills will be held at 10:00 am Friday, May 12, 2017 at Leaf River Baptist Church. Mr. Wills, age 66, passed away from this life on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 in Hattiesburg. Reverend Brett Golson will officiate and Ellen Wills and Ann Rogers will provide the musical service. Interment will be in the Leaf River Baptist Church Cemetery.

Wade Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be John Rogers, Mark Rogers, Noel Rogers, Paul Rogers, Kevin Polk, Russell Dickinson, and Layne Upton.

Richard Michael Wills was born February 12, 1951 in Middletown, OH, to John R. Wills and Mary Ellen Hill Wills. After graduating high school, Mr. Wills worked for the A.K. Steel Company in Middletown. He attended Miami University and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Mr. Wills moved to Baytown, TX, after the service and met and married his wife, Ellen Rogers Wills. He owned and operated Baywood Exterminating in Crosby, TX, for 17 years and served as President of the Greater Houston Pest Control Association. After returning to Collins, Mr. Wills opened and operated the Baywood Pest Control Company in Collins.

Richard Wills was the past commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1073 in Hattiesburg. Mr. Wills was currently serving as the Senior Vice-Commandant of the Marine Corps League of Mississippi. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association, the Fraternal Order of Oriels, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he served as Past President. Richard Wills was instrumental in his fundraising for the Jack Lucas Golf Tournament.

Before his illness, one of Mr. Wills' greatest loves was participating in mission trips to Central America. Mr. Wills was an active member of Leaf River Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Mr. Wills is survived by his wife of 29 years, Ellen Rogers Wills of Collins; 2 sons, Capt. James Wakeland of Killeen, TX, and Ryan Wakeland of Collins; 2 brothers, Mark Wills and Jack Wills and his wife Ruth Ann, all of Middletown, OH; 3 grandchildren, Reagan Wakeland (Speedracer), Peyton Wakeland (Peytonomous), and Jenna Wakeland (Jenna Bug); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the Wade Funeral Home in Collins and Friday from 9:00am until 10:00am at Leaf River Baptist Church.