Vernon C. Wills

Vernon C. Wills, 98, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away October 27, 2015. He was born September 1, 1917, in Conway, Arkansas, to the late Richard C. and Clara (Martin) Wills. Vernon was a life-long Baptist, serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher and director, and choir member in churches where he and his family lived. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Hot Springs. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1940 with a BS degree in agriculture, Vernon was employed as a County Agricultural Agent for the U of A Extension Service. He was honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the National County Agricultural Agents' Association in 1970. His retirement years were spent at Diamondhead, where he enjoyed playing golf and serving on various committees, and at West Shores Retirement Community in Hot Springs. There he enjoyed interacting with other people and participating in many activities. He was a member of several service organizations including Kiwanis, Lions Club, Jaycees, and Farm Bureau, often serving in leadership capacities. Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, wife of 56 years, Margery Trotter Wills, brother, R.C. Wills, sister, Billye Miller, and granddaughter, Tracey Hill. Survivors include daughters, Nancy Brown Dighton (Haskell) of Corsicana Texas, Jo Anna Parker (Jerry) of Mt. Ida, Ark., Patricia Wills of Port Angeles, Wash.; sisters, Evelyn Burks of Virginia, Artie Byrn of California, Helen Jo Cates of Virginia, Bobbye Hayes (Al) of Virginia; grandchildren, Deanna Kirk (Will), Jennifer Johnson (David), Andy Hill, Amalia Sumlin; great-grandchildren Hayley Dengler, Kate Pawlowski, Lily McLain, Neva Johnson, Austin Hill, Jack Johnson; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31,with funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John McCallum officiating. Burial will follow at Crestview Cemetery. Family will serve as pallbearers. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.