Edward Timothy Wills, 77, passed away Tuesday evening, September 28, 2021 after years of battling Myasthenia Gravis Disease.  He died peacefully at his home in Richmond Hill, Georgia with his beloved wife, Bernetta Wills, by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Charlie Thomas Wills and Bessie Franklin Wills and older brother Thomas Franklin Wills.

Known by most as Eddy, he was born August 8, 1944 in Savannah, Georgia.  He was a graduate of Savannah High School, class of 1961, and then attended Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.  Upon returning to Savannah, he worked for Union Camp Chemical Division for more than 30 years.  For years before his retirement, he was a Shift Supervisor and the Safety Director for Union Camp. Eddy was also a member and officer of the (B.P.O.E.) Elks Lodge #183 in Savannah, Georgia before relocating to Richmond Hill.

Prior to moving to Richmond Hill, Eddy and his wife Bernetta, volunteered as Youth Coordinators for the Baptist Church on Wilmington Island where Eddy was the "Cool Youth Bus Driver" for many youth retreats and events.  During this time, he played softball and volleyball for the church league and later became a member of Wilmington Island UMC where he enjoyed playing ball with his eldest son and side by side with his daughter, where they were known among the league as the "dynamic-duo".

He was a strong family patriarch, who provided for his children, taught them, and showed his gratitude for all their accomplishments in life.  Eddy was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was proud of the kids and enjoyed watching them play various sports, grandsons march in the band, son direct the band and granddaughter cheerlead from the sidelines.  He loved to be with family and was always up for a gathering or an excuse to grill-out.

In addition to his family, Eddy was a proud American and supported those who served in the Armed Forces, always honoring those who work to protect and serve us. After making Richmond Hill their home, Eddy became a Volunteer Fire Fighter and First Responder for South Bryan County Fire Department, where he was named Rookie of the Year (2006), Fire Fighter of the Year (2007 & 2008), and Volunteer Firefighter of the Year-South Division (2015).  He was passionate about safety and training; and was dedicated to teaching those in the Jr. Fire Fighter Program. He would get more and more excited as the month of December approached because it was his favorite time to celebrate by reaching out to the children in South Bryan County as "Santa Clause" on the Fire Truck, passing out candy and spreading good cheer to all. It was a time he held dear to his heart and would share how the children were excited to see Santa on the Fire Truck.

Edward will be remembered by his loving wife of 47 years, Bernetta Wills; youngest brother: Stanley Wills (Star); children: Michael Wills (Suzanne), Michael Dukes (Suzanne), Karen Quinlan (Daniel), Robert Wills (nephew), Bruce Wills; grandchildren: Kim Lackey (Daniel), Chris Helms (April), Michael Connor Toms, Tyler Toms (Sarah), Christopher Dukes, Chelsey Quinlan,  Andrew Dukes; great grandchildren: Kaylin Helms, Kia Jones (Jacob), Colten Helms (Alex), Krimson Helms, Houston Lackey, Brentlee Toms, Jackson King; great great grandchild, Whitt Jones and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later time due to COVID.  In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire (P O Box 1922, Savannah, GA 31402) or Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. (290 Turnpike Road, Suite 5-315, Westborough, MA 01581).

You are invited to sign our guestbook at www.coxrichmondhillfh.com