Final Salute

William “Bill” Sidney Wills, 73, of McAlester He was taken to meet his heavenly Father on January 7, 2023 in McAlester at a local nursing center.

A graveside memorial service will be 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honors Team. Inurnment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted in Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory, McAlester, OK.

William Sidney Wills was born on May 30, 1949 to James Thomas and Billie Ann Wills in Joplin, Missouri. Bill grew up in the country with his family. Bill worked several years for farmers in the area where he learned work skills and made many friends. He graduated high school in Carl Junction, Missouri in 1968. Bill joined the Navy in 1969. He was a proud member of the Navy Seabees and served in Vietnam. He could carry out any task that was asked of him. When his father died, the service discharged Bill to be at home to care for his mother. While at home, Bill built a large shop at the house to work in. Bill had a hard life in the Navy, his commanding officer stated that Bill was a gentle soul and that what he saw, and the duties that he had to perform, broke him down. After many years of torment, he was diagnosed with PTSD.

In the late nineties, he met Eric in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After several years of friendship, they got married on October 10, 2014. They had each other, they took care of each other, and loved each other for over 20 years. They ended up in McAlester where they made their home. Bill and Eric made many friends by giving to anyone that they met that needed help. He enjoyed sharing his DJ skills and equipment with many charitable events. The highlight of his year was playing Santa Clause for the children of McAlester. Also, he was known as the guy who rode his wheelchair all over town. He and Eric loved to camp with their friends. Bill gave his all to every activity he participated in.

Bill suffered for many years with numerous medical problems. He fought hard but couldn’t fight them all.

Bill was well known for his work skills and his many friends. Anyone that met Bill, was his friend. The family and Eric have many memories he brought to them. We love you, Bill.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Tom and Billie Ann; great nephew: Tyler; fur-baby: Sidney.

Bill leaves a large family; husband: Eric; sisters: Karen Southern, Linda (Philip) Fife, and Nancy (George) Rainey; fur-babies: Toby, Manny, and Boggy; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; with many friends who thought of him as part of their families.

The last few days, we have had many messages from his many friends, noting their love and sympathy for the loss of Bill. Everyone in heaven will have a job, and it is no doubt that Bill will be the head chef. The angels will be well fed.