Salem - George C. Wills, 96, of Salem, passed away of natural causes on March 4, 2018. He was born to George and Nora Wills (Emery) in Eugene, Oregon and attended Eugene area schools while growing up with his younger sister Martha. After graduating high school, he enrolled in Eugene Vocational School majoring in the Aircraft Mechanics curriculum for a brief time until the Boeing Company recruited him to work primarily on the B-17 & B-29 bomber assembly lines in support of World War II. However, not being content to work in support of the war, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served until 1945. After discharge from the Navy, he attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he met and married Georgia Bell Johnson. They had two sons, Michael and Mark.
Most of George's post-war career was spent working for the Oregon State Highway Department in various roles on the Southern Oregon Coast and then in Salem. He obtained both Professional Civil Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor certifications through self-study.
George was known for his kindness and being a true gentleman. He was a gifted craftsman, enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with his family and was an avid reader. He enjoyed browsing garage sales with his companion Sarah "Sally" Kelly whom he met following Georgia's passing in 1985.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Martha Bartels in 2017, wife Georgia in 1985 and companion Sally in 2016. George is survived by two sons, Michael (Catherine) of Coquille and Mark (Deleen) of Salem, three nephews; William, David and Randy, niece Kathy, great niece Kristen and great nephew Sean.
A remembrance gathering will be held March 20 at 2 p.m. at The Dye House, Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE, Salem. Contributions to a charity of the donor's choosing are encouraged in lieu of flowers. Arrangements made by Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon Ransom Funeral Directors.
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