Howard Bernard Wills

Howard was born on January 24, 1930, in Newton County, GA, to Robert Grady Wills and Susie (Simpson) Wills. He was raised on a family farm with his four siblings until the age of nine, when his parents moved to Albany, GA. His mother was a stay-at-home mom and his father served as the police chief in Albany. As a teenager, he ran a paper route and worked for the Dr. Pepper bottling company.

Howard was drafted by the United States Army to serve in the Korean War in 1950. He was sent to Korea where he fought on the ground in the infantry and was wounded when shrapnel from a trip flare impacted his left eye. He was sent back to the United States where his eye was removed, and he was honorably medically discharged from the Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Korean Medal of Honor, and Purple Heart for his service to the United States.

After his discharge from the military, he secured a position working for Coats and Clarke Thread Company. During his tenure there, he met Martha June Hatcher, who was also working for the company. They were married on March 14, 1953 and had a family consisting of six children while living in Albany.

In August of 1966, Howard, Martha, and the children moved to Tucson, AZ due to recommendations from Martha's doctor because of health concerns. Howard obtained a position working for Hughes Aircraft Company when they moved and retired from Hughes as a supervisor in 1985. Howard and Martha made annual trips to visit family back in GA, and travelled to all of the continental United States. Howard and Martha continued to reside in the same home in Tucson together until Martha's passing in December of 1993. Howard continued his residence in Tucson and spent time with his family and friends until his passing.

Howard is survived by his children, Larry, Bernie, Jeffrey, Melissa, and Tina; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Howard was preceded in death by his spouse, Martha; his siblings Julius, Myrtle, Robert, and Mildred; and his son, Timothy.

Services will be held on August 2, 2023 at 9:00 am at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the Wills family.