“Well done, good and faithful servant!” These are the words that welcomed Dr. Willard Jefferson Walls as he entered his eternal home on May 13, 2025. Will, as he was known to his friends, was born on February 26, 1939 in Rolla, Missouri to James Jefferson Walls and Grace Light.
In 1962, he married Ruth and together had three children: Jim (Karen), Gail, David (Laura). He and Ruth shared five grandchildren together: Rachel, Meghan, Jonathan, Grace, and Emily. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his brother, Thomas and his sister, Patricia.
A scholar by nature, Will earned two bachelor’s degrees, two masters, and a doctorate. He was also honored for his charitable work as a Kentucky Colonel.
In his time off, he enjoyed woodworking, reading, and traveling. His work with Christian Missionary Fellowship afforded him the opportunity to travel while he and Ruth lived in England.
He knew no stranger and was a friend to all. He followed Christ’s example of loving your neighbor whether it was with friends new or old as well as sharing his blessings with the homeless. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and encouraging them in their passions.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 7th at 2 pm at the Christian Campus House in Muncie where Will served as campus minister for nearly 25 years.
The family would like to thank Sunrise Senior Living on Old Meridian for their continued care for Will as well as Paradigm Hospices Services for their assistance during his final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Campus House at Ball State University as well as Outreach Inc-Working to End Youth Homelessness in Central Indiana.
