Ret. MSgt William O. Wills Sr.

William Ollendorff Wills, Sr., known to family and childhood friends as “Billy,” and more widely in the Tucson community as “Bill Wills, Sr.,” passed away peacefully in Peppi’s House Hospice Care on June 26, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born on May 25, 1932, at Harlem Hospital in New York City to William Thomas Wills and Laura Emily Felton Wills McIntyre, and was lovingly raised by his stepfather, Loftin M. McIntyre.

William’s spiritual foundation was laid early. As a child, he attended Sunday School and sang in the Tiny Tots Choir at The Abyssinian Baptist Church. In 1945, he and his younger brother were featured in the very first issue of Ebony Magazine as part of Abyssinian’s Vermont Project—an iconic moment now preserved in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

He was educated in the New York City public school system and became a high school track star at George Washington High School, graduating in 1951. That same year, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served with distinction until retiring as a Master Sergeant from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in 1971. As a young Airman, he ran track for the U.S. Air Force, competing in cross country, the 440-yard dash and the 880-yard run. His 20-year military career was matched by an equally impactful civilian career and a family life full of love and laughter.

In April 1953, William married the love of his life, Martha Thompson Wills, an Air Force nurse. Together, they built a 72-year marriage rooted in deep affection, devotion, and mutual respect. Their enduring union was recognized by KOLD News 13 on April 4, 2025. They raised three children—one of whom, Bishop William “Ollie” Wills, Jr., preceded him in death.

In August 1973, William became the first African American employed as a Management Assistant in the Pima County Manager’s Office. In 1977, during an ambitious county government reorganization, he was appointed one of five “Super Directors” tasked with overseeing major departments—including Public Fiduciary, Public Defender, Animal Control, Personnel, and Elections. After the structure was phased out, he continued serving as a key advisor and project lead, helping lay the administrative groundwork for what became Kino Community Hospital (now Banner UMC South Campus).

William later served as Health Department Budget Officer and was ultimately promoted to Assistant Public Health Director for Administrative Services in 1978. He retired from Pima County in 1995 with 22 years of service, having earned the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout Southern Arizona.

He also gave generously of his time to his community, serving on the boards of the Pima Council on Aging, El Rio Santa Cruz Neighborhood Health Center, the PAG Social Services Planning Committee, and many others.

Throughout his life, William remained deeply engaged in civic, academic, and faith-based service. He was the first president of the NAACP in Great Falls, Montana, in the mid-1960s. In 1965, he earned 90 units from the University of Maryland Overseas Division in History, Government, and Politics. He received a Bachelor of Health Services Administration from the University of Arizona in 1973, followed by a Master’s in public management in 1976.

On January 28, 1969, he was appointed and licensed as a lay reader assigned to St. Francis Episcopalian Church in Great Falls. He was ordained a deacon at South Park Church of God in Christ on January 16, 1977. That same year, he also served as president, director, and member of the church choir. Later, he served as a deacon at Sunshine Ministries and was the treasurer of the Racial Reconciliation Community Outreach Network.

William served on the advisory board of the Retired Service Volunteer Project, the Committee for Economic Opportunities, the Alcoholism in Black Communities Project, the Health Systems Agency of Southern Arizona, and the Local Alcohol Reception Center Advisory Board, where he was chairman. He also served on the Citizens Police Advisory Review Board in Tucson and was a member of the American Public Health Association, the Religious Conference Management Association, and the Pima Association of Government’s Social Services Planning Committee.

In 2015, he received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his service to the country and the United States Air Force Band, signed by Congressman Raúl Grijalva, as well as a certificate of appreciation from Tucson City Councilmember Richard Fimbres. In 2018, he received the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award for his dedication to the community.

He also supported and was affiliated with several organizations, including Easter Seals, Defenders of Wildlife, the American Heart Association, the Nature Conservancy, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

William’s greatest joy was simply showing up—for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a steadfast and proud supporter of their pursuits and accomplishments, and whenever he was able, he made sure to be present at their events. You could always hear him cheering from the crowd, his voice full of pride, eyes full of tears, and heart full of love.

Though his resume was long and impressive, William never let titles define him. He was a man of faith, stories, warmth, and wit—known for turning strangers into friends and meetings into memorable moments. He had a lifelong love of music, a passion for public service, and a gift for making people feel seen and valued.

William is survived by his devoted wife, Martha Thompson Wills; daughters Regina Ann Wills and Constance Evette Wills of Tucson, AZ; granddaughter Candace Renee Wills-Hodge and her husband Michael Lewis Hodge II of Tucson; and his great-grandchildren: Jaylin William Wills-Dennard of Phoenix, Joelle Evette Wills-Dennard, Jurnee Michael Hodge, Jreame LeeAnn Charlene Hodge, and Jewell J'Adore Renee Hodge, all of Tucson; sisters Lois C. Vines of St. Petersburg, FL, and Sharon L. Marks of the Bronx, NY;

He also leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including nieces, nephews, and countless friends, mentees, and admirers across generations and communities.

All flower deliveries are to be sent to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ on the day of the service.

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