Our heartfelt condolences go out to Stacy and her beautiful family. . 

We were fortunate to have met Joe when we bought our first home on St Simons Island.  Our friendship continued and Stacy was a part of it. 

Joe always spoke of his Stacy, their boys and the family that continued to grow. 

Our lives have been blessed by meeting Joe and Stacy.

Bianca and Bruce Raines

A very sad day to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a kind & thoughtful friend and our condolences to Stacy & all of the family.

https://vimeo.com/event/4875923

Here is the video of the service

https://youtu.be/ZgsF3cAcsYk

We shared this slideshow at the funeral 
Thank you all for the fond remembrances of our Dad ❤️

When I think back on growing up in Plant City and  the families and people we knew , the Wills family were definitely ingrained in our lives . From church , school and just hanging out . Joe was always such a sweet fella and willing to be there for you . He always wore a smile , just a beautiful soul !
Stacey is another beautiful soul and when she asked me back in 1978 ( we took a college class together ) what I thought about her accepting a date with Joe , I thought yes ! A perfect match . 
I feel extremely Blessed to have called Joe friend and he will be so missed by all of us here but I know he is in Glory . I pray for peace for the family .

Dear Stacy and family, I am so sorry to hear the news.  Joe was a wonderful person and I can't imagine how hurtful this is for you all. May God bless and keep you through this loss. Every time Joe mentioned your name to me it was with a smile.  💔

Dear family,
Our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Love,  Wiley and Mary Younce and family

Joe was a fine man and truly a professional in the real estate industry.  He will be missed by all of us.  Jim Williams

I first met Joe when I moved back to Glynn County (St. Simons) in 2018 and joined the Saint Simons Presbyterian Church.  I got involved with the Island Men’s Prayer Breakfast which met at SSPC at that time.  Joe was hard to miss in the kitchen.  My wanting to help where I could and Joe’s friendly nature a friendship began that was a natural fit.  Joe got me involved in the kitchen with the Men’s Breakfast, as a laser operator in the RSM golf outing, the Manna House and the Rotary Clili Cook-off where he competed.  It was fun and always a pleasure working with and assisting Joe with what ever he ask.  He knew a lot about cooking and I always listened when he offered advice in the kitchen.  We enjoyed going to Sam’s the Sunday before we were to cook at the Manna House.  Besides buying what was needed for the Monday meal, it was our time to talk, share and prod each other.  We had different political views that led to some spicey conversations.  We constantly teased each other for our views, but it was all in fun. We shared our opinions with each other and respected what each other had to say.  Our different opinions never tarnished our friendship.  One day while on our way to Sam’s, Joe said ‘David, you and I have different political view points, but I still like you.  I was always amazed by how many people he knew and appreciated how he treated others.  They say a man is not known by how many people he loves, but by how many people love him.  Joe’s ring of friends was a true reflection of the many people who loved him - a testament of how he helped others.  Joe’s friendship left his mark in my life as I am sure was left in the live’s of many others.  Cooking at the men’s bible study or working at the Manna House, the RSM or the chili cook-off will never be the same, but for me and those who worked with him will move forward with a spirit Joe left us with to carry on his work.  Joe, I am a better person because of you.  Love-Ya-Man!

A line from a movie I once saw came to mind yesterday when I heard the news. “Do you ever have friends like the ones you had when you were twelve years old?” I think not. Although we saw one another very rarely as adults, the depth of the friendship and level of trust and understanding between us never really diminished. We could always pick right back up where we left off, using the same old silliness and inside jokes, some of which dated back to when we were in first or second grade. During our elementary and junior high school years; I like to call them the years before girls, cars and other distractions ruined everything, it feels like I spent almost as many Friday nights at Joe’s house as I did at my own.  Friday nights were a big deal because we’d watch The Addams Family, The Wild, Wild West and Shock Theater, a show featuring old B/W horror films that came on after the local news at 11:30.  We loved them. Especially the ones starring Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney or Boris Karloff. Those are memories I cherish. There’s a line from a William Faulkner book that says, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” I think it applies here.  I’ve reached an age when I often forget why I walked into the kitchen, but the memory of the  little boy adventures Joe and I shared are as vivid and detailed as if they happened last week. We certainly remained close friends throughout high school, but after that, time, distance, marriage, children and careers reduced the frequency of our communications. I was never good at keeping up with people anyway; a major character flaw of mine.  In fact, the last time I saw Joe, I apologized for not calling more often, and generous spirit that he was, he said, with a wink, that he wouldn’t judge it harshly because the phone lines run both ways. One of the funniest, smartest, kindest people I’ve ever known. Happy trails, Joe. I love you more than words can tell.

Joe will surely be missed at SSPC. He had a big heart, big smile, and a will to serve others! Prayers are up for his family.

I will always miss my wonderful Cousin Joe.  He could always make me smile and was very dear to me.  Surrounding Stacy and his family with love, light and prayers for comfort. Much love from Cousin Peggy and the Lee family.

So very sorry to learn of Joe's passing.  I worked with Joe at Hodnett Cooper. When I first joined the company  and was new to the area, Joe was kind, very helpful and always willing to share his knowledge.  I enjoyed conversing with Joe whenever I saw him and never wanted to miss one of his open houses to sample whatever wonderful dish he was cooking!  He will be missed.

Our hearts go out to Stacy, Patrick, Timothy and David and the rest of the extended Wills family.  I cannot think of anyone more appreciated and loved than Joe, who did and gave so much for and to so many.  A nicer man and gentleman there never was.  Joe had much talent, including in the food department, preparing lunch for thousands of people over the years at Manna House as a key member of the St. Simons Presbyterian Church culinary team.  Some of us had many delightful lunches with Joe, who became our leader as part of the "Sea Island Golf Club Roundtable", at The Lodge and later Brunswick Country Club.  A "burger Caesar", the clever combination of a Caesar salad with a cheese burger on top, was one of Joe's favorites.  There was a special bonding between Joe and Henry -- grandfather and grandson -- the big guy and the little guy -- paling around together -- that was wonderful to see.   Joe now is in the presence of God and I believe in great shape, but the rest of us will deeply miss our great friend.

I worked with Joe on various projects over the years and he was always so helpful and supportive.  We send our deepest sympathy to the family.  Joe will be missed so much.
Janis and Cesar Rodriguez

Joe Wills was a great friend and mentor of mine for many years. He was always there for me whether it be a food related question or just something about life in general. I will miss him very much. My thoughts and prayers go out to Stacy and the boys. 

Sincerely, 
Chef-B

OBITUARY

Joseph Rylon Wills Jr.

October 4, 1957 – January 24, 2025

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home

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