Hal Bernard Wills

A memorial service celebrating Hal’s life will be conducted by The Rev’d Donavan Cain on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, Florida with reception to follow.

Hal was born in Eola, Texas on July 6, 1929 to Jay and Kathleen Wills. He grew up in San Angelo, Texas where he played quarterback at San Angelo High School. He later graduated from Texas Tech University. While attending Texas Tech he met, on a blind date, the love of his life, Ann Nelson and they married a year later.

Within two months of Hal and Ann’s marriage he joined the Army Counterintelligence where he served in Germany and later served in the Reserves. While on active duty, Hal and Ann’s his first child, Chauncey Nelson Wills was born. James Robert Wills III and Sarah “Sally” Kathleen Wills followed shortly thereafter. Hal started a career in finance in Dallas, Texas with GMAC, moved to Jacksonville with Ford Motor Credit from which he later retired.

Hal enjoyed playing on the tennis teams at Big Tree Racquet Club and Century 21 Racquet Club. He was passionate about serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and those in need. On November 17, 2015 on National Philanthropy Day, he received an award from Aging True Community Senior Services for his service to Meals on Wheels at All Saints Episcopal Church. In 2016, he and Ann also received an award for 40 years of service from the church. They continued to serve those less fortunate until Hal’s health prohibited his service.

Hal was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Ann Wills and his siblings, Raedall Wallace and Harlan Wills. He leaves behind his three children, Chauncey Nelson Wills (Marny), James Robert Wills III (Cathy) and Sally Wills Vargas (Javier), beloved grandchildren Marie Weir (Sean), James Robert Wills IV (Natalie), Marshal Wills (Candace), Whitney Cotten (Chris), Leigh Winans (Austin), Juleigh Ann Vargas-Hatala (Alex), Molly Vargas (David), as well as his eleven special great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all of his caregivers at Community Hospice Earl B. Hadlow Center and the Southside home team for keeping Pal as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

Memorials can be made to All Saints Episcopal Church.