Jesse H. Wills, Jr., 92, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He was born on August 8, 1931 to the late Jesse H. Wills, Sr. and Vivian Kelly. Jesse was a member of Central Christian Church. As a teenager he played on five different basketball teams. Jesse joined the United States Air Force during the Korean Campaign in 1952. He played basketball on the base he was stationed and was tennis champ in 1953. He met his wife, Lilly Lavern in 1955 and was married on July 15, 1956. Jesse and Lavern along with three children, moved from California back to Jesse’s hometown of Columbus, Georgia in 1959. He joined the Columbus Police Department in 1959 and was awarded Policeman of the year in 1968. Jesse’s police career with the Columbus Police Department earned him the ranks of Sergeant up to Lieutenant before his retirement in 1989, working for the last 21 years of service as the Clerk of Recorders Court.
He loved serving his community through the police force. Jesse’s love and passion was his family, he devoted his time to his family and sharing the values of being the best one can be for the family. Jesse was a loving, devoted and caring husband, father, and grandfather until his last breath. He spent his life caring for his country, community, and especially his family. Jesse will be forever in the hearts of all who loved him. He enjoyed Columbus Hockey since 1996, he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and a supporter of community youth sports and local charities.
Jesse leaves his legacy to be cherish by his daughters: Dixie K. Burrow and Sandee K. Candlin; daughter-in-law Sandra Knighton; his grandchildren: Jack Wilder, Ginger Boswell, Jimmy Candlin, Billy Candlin, Michael Candlin, Rick Sanabria, David Sanabria, Jason Sanabria, Mark Sanabria, and Donna Affolter; numerous great grandchildren and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Lavern; his son Claude W. Knighton; and his sister Carolyn Watkins.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM in Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared with the Wills family at www.shcolumbus.com.
