Chester Lee Wills

Chet was born in Ironton, OH, on October 21, 1940. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer Lewis Wills and Emily Susan (Gollihue) Wills; his siblings Sherl Wills, John Edward Wills, Hilda Jean Little, Betty Wills and Carrie (Dolly) Aline Joseph and his nephews Barry Little, John Wills, Jr., Darren Wills; and niece Arlana Collins.

He is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne (Vonnie) Gail Wills and son, Brian Eric Wills and wife Frances Nadine Wills of Darien, GA; daughter Leanne Marie Gregg of Brunswick, GA and his siblings: Paul Arthur Wills of Leesburg, FL; and Charles Dale Wills of Tampa, FL.

He is survived by six wonderful grandchildren and their spouses: Eric Wills; Ashley and Daniel Force of Eugene, OR; Ben and Rebecca Wills of Omaha, NE; Austin and Tia Heykoop; Cassie Heykoop; and Savannah Lee all of Denver, CO. He also leaves his seven adored great grandchildren: Miles and Otto Force; Veda and Oliver Pearce; Rowan and London Heykoop; and O’Rylyn Houlihan.

He is also survived by six nephews and their spouses: Randy Little of Townsend, GA; Monty and Gina Joseph of Tamassee, SC; Victor Wills of Brunswick, GA; Mike Little of New Port Richey, FL; Clayton and Kym Wills of Ashland, KY; Mark Wills of Catlettsburg, KY; and four nieces and their spouses: Maria Webb of New Port Richey, FL; Beth and John Brown of Ironton, OH; Stormy York of Georgetown, KY: Tamara Klein of Tampa, FL.

Chet was a graduate of Rock Hill High School in Ironton, OH, and served in the U.S. Army in Dillsboro, IN, from 1959-1962. In 1960, he married Yvonne (Vonnie) Alfred and after his military service they moved to Aurora, IN. In 1965, the couple along with their two children moved to Port Richey, FL, where he began his career as a plumber in the community and ultimately built his own plumbing company. In their later years, he and Vonnie moved to Chicago and Denver to be closer to their children and grandchildren before ultimately retiring to Leesburg, FL. In 2021, they moved to Darien, GA, to live next to their son and daughter-in-law..

Chet always had a cheerful smile and bestowed kind words to all who knew him and everyone he met. He was friendly, warm and generous and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Chet volunteered as a Little League baseball coach and led his teams to many successful seasons. He was a compassionate coach who always made sure all his players had the opportunity to play and contribute to the team.

He was a passionate artist, writer and musician. He recorded The Lawrence County Allstars, the Songs of Chester Lee Wills, in collaboration with his son, grandsons, brother and friends. Throughout his life he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at the beach, at family reunions and on trips throughout the Southeast.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of the Golden Isles.