Russell Wills, Sr.

Russell B. Wills died on April 27, 2020. He was born in Glen St. Mary, FL, on December 23, 1929, to
Robert Hill Wills and Eula Scarborough Wills. The family moved to the Oak Griner community north
of Ocala when he was around a year old where he lived, went to school, and met and married his wife
of 71 years, Nadine M. Wills.
After high school, he served in both the US Army Reserve and US Air Force Reserve during the
Korean conflict, training new recruits for combat at Camp Cook in CA. When he left the Army in
1955, he studied briefly at the University of Florida, and then began working for the U.S. Postal
Service, beginning as a Sub, and working his way up to Assistant Postmaster, including several
Officer-in-Charge assignments.
In 1980, he moved to Crystal River, FL, on his promotion to Postmaster. It was here that he
completed his career, retiring from the U.S. Postal Service after 37 years of service. After he retired,
he served with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board as a lay missionary for nine years
including posts in Mexico City, MX, San Jose, Costa Rica, and El Paso, TX.
Russell loved being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing; and it was said you knew the season by
knowing his intended catch. He served in U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 20 years, and was a
member of the Ocala Power Squadron for over 40 years. Russell was of the generation with hands-
on knowledge of how to do many things. He was a skilled cabinet maker, knew basic plumbing &
electrical work, and small engine mechanics. He also loved gardening, specializing in azaleas and
camellias.
Russell was an active church member, teaching Sunday School, serving as deacon, and on various
committees over the years, most recently as a member of the First Baptist Church of Crystal River.
He was a member of The Gideons International for over 40 years.
Survivors include his wife Nadine M. Wills of Crystal River, daughter Phyllis Lloyd and husband
Michael of Griffin, Ga.; Larry R. Wills and wife Faith of Oxford, Mississippi: and Russell B. Wills, Jr.
and wife Carolyn of Ocala, Florida; Grandsons Jonathan Lloyd Doraville, Ga.; Christopher Lloyd of
Atlanta, Ga.; and Granddaughter Emily Sugarbaker and husband Joe of New Albany, Mississippi.;
and three step-grandchildren, Clint, Burt and Terrie Lynn Folsom of Ocala, Florida. He was
preceeded in death by his older siblings, Robert Ivan Wills and Marjorie Wills.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Crystal River, FL, or the Gideon
International Bible Fund.
Arrangements under the care of Countryside Funeral Home, Anthony, FL