Don Paul Wills' Obituary
Don was born September 13, 1935, in Miami, Oklahoma. As he was fond of telling people: "Born on Friday the 13th in the middle of the Great Depression." Known as Donnie Paul while growing up, he was raised by his wonderful grandmother, Lillie Wills, along with his older brother, Richard.
Later Don attended Baylor University where he met his future wife, Donna Willett. Years later he loved to recount that she passed him a note in class which merely said, "You are a Nut!" After graduating from Baylor Law School, he served two years in the Air Force in Wyoming where his two children were born. He and Donna then moved to Dallas where he worked for the DA's office and then in private practice. Anyone who talked with Don for very long heard his many stories, whether about the weather in Wyoming, the assassination of JFK, or the hunt for a gold mine in Colorado. He had a natural gift for storytelling and for humor. He loved to study and teach about the Bible, collect rocks and travel both for leisure and for missions.
Don is preceded in death by his wife, whom he always called Tootie, his brother, Richard, and half-sisters, Katie and Susie. He is survived by his daughter Betsy Wills Williams, son in law, Dave Williams, son Greg Wills and his wife Theresa, sister-in-law Betty Wills, and sister, Ruth Wills. Grand children Stephanie Williams Ellison, husband Jeff Ellison, Nathan Williams, wife Sarah Williams, Katie Williams Sooter, husband Ben Sooter, Michelle Williams Craig, husband Peyton Craig, Sunshine Wills Norris, Sky Wills, and Wesley Wills. Great grandchildren Judah Ellison, Abby Ellison, Henry Craig, Thomas Craig, Margaret Craig, Finn Sooter, Will Sooter, Jack Atkins and many nieces and nephews.
What’s your fondest memory of Don?
What’s a lesson you learned from Don?
Share a story where Don's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Don you’ll never forget.
How did Don make you smile?