Dr. Alton Gene Wills

July 8, 1939 – March 26, 2014

On March 26, 2014, with his family and longtime friends surrounding him at home, Dr. Alton Gene Wills, left this world to be with his parents in heaven. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of family and friends.

Alton was born in Corpus Christi, TX on July 8, 1939 to Alton Gus Wills and Vivian Josephine Wills, who were share crop farmers and owners of Corpus Christi Butane Company.

Alton graduated from Robstown High school in 1957 and began college at Texas A&I. At the insistence of his father, he joined the ROTC program and was the commander of the drill team. Alton graduated with ROTC honors from Texas A&I in May 1961 and entered the University of Texas Medical School in September 1961. After being accepted in an accelerated 3 year program, Alton graduated on June 10, 1964.

In January 1964, Alton entered into the U.S. Army as a medical student for the last 6 months of medical school. After he completed his internship at the U.S. Army Tripler General Hospital in Honolulu, HI in July 1965, he was deployed to South Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks - Medical Battalion, as the Battalion surgeon. After a year tour in Vietnam, he was re-assigned to Fort Bliss Army Hospital in El Paso, TX as the Director of Outpatient Services. On January 1, 1968 he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.

Alton accepted a job offer as a general physician for Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Sacramento, CA and worked there until October 1968. On October 7, 1968, Alton opened his own family medical practice in Fair Oaks, CA. As well, he joined the staff at Mercy San Juan Hospital and worked in the emergency room to build up his practice. During that time, he served as the Chief of Family Practice, was on the executive committee for 8 years and was the Chief of Staff for 2 years.

As a member of the Sacramento-El Dorado Medical Society, Alton served on the board of directors for 8 years. On January 15, 1985, he became the 111th president of the Sacramento-El Dorado Medical Society. Alton was also a member of the California Medical Society and a delegate for 25 years and served as a member and an alternate delegate of the American Medical Association.

In 1993 he left his private practice and worked at McClellan Air Force Base. Within 2 years, he was promoted to Chief of Occupational Medicine for the base as a GS-15. While at McClellan he completed a Master of Public Health degree in Occupational Medicine and became board certified by the American Board of Preventative Medicine.

In Alton’s chosen profession as a physician, he practiced with integrity, ethics and dignity. He maintained respect for human life and used the noble traditions of the medical profession to serve humanity. Until the day he closed his practice, Alton’s “old school” style of providing care was seen by many of his patients as he continued to make house calls and attended many events including two 100th birthday parties. He treated his patients like family, some became his closest friends.

Alton is survived by his wife, Debbie Wills, the love of his life, who he met in 1976. As he personally documented in his memoir, he had the privilege and great blessing of being married to her. They shared 31 wonderful years of marriage together.

Alton was an honorable brother to Arthur Wills, a loving and devoted father to his sons Greg Wills, Glen Wills, C.J. Sorenson and his daughter Cristy Sorenson. He was an inspiration as “Papa” to his grandchildren Austin, Gabriel, Madeline, Haley, Adriane, Garrett, Sebastian and soon to be born Gina Bella.

Outside of the medical profession, Alton enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, camping, hiking, biking, arrow head hunting, traveling, dancing, telling and hearing jokes, reading books and like all good Texans, he loved shooting guns.

Alton had an enthusiasm for life that will always be remembered. He served others throughout his life in both his medical practice and in his personal life. Alton was a highly regarded man whom his patients, friends and family could always depend on. He will be forever missed but his spirit will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Alton’s life will be held Friday, April 25, 2014 at 12:00 P.M. at the Lions Gate Hotel and Conference Room (formally McClellan Air Force Base) located at 3410 Westover Street Sacramento, CA 95652.

Any stories and/or anecdotes to honor Alton would be welcomed and appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the American Cancer Society, Mercy Hospice or a charity of your choice.

arrangements under the care of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home