BOBBY EARL WILLS

Bobby Earl “Bob” Wills, 73, entered into the glorious Kingdom of Heaven Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 in Fairfield.

He was born March 8, 1947 in Teague, to Earl Laymon and Effie Mae (Rosson) Wills.

Bob lived almost his entire life in his hometown of Alvin, graduating from Alvin High School with the Class of 1965.

He loved living in Alvin and had kept in contact with many friends through social media until recently.

In 1966 he married Linda Faye Copeland and together they had two children, Doyle Earl, and Karlee Jean, and later he married Betsy Rutledge and they have one son, Robert Collen.

In 1969, at the age of twenty-two, and with the help of his father-in-law, Doyle Copeland, he joined the Pipefitters Local #211, and entered their welding apprenticeship program in Houston. Bob, as he was referred to by his friends, remained in the welding profession for the next 50-years, retiring in 2018.

He loved his work and especially loved the brotherhood between his fellow welders that grew friendships which lasted throughout his career.

He enjoyed telling the stories of the pranks pulled while out on pipeline jobs, laughing the entire time. And there were so many.

During earlier years, Bob worked as a welder on pipelines in and around Texas, and in the fall of 1975 began work on the Trans Alaskan Pipeline, describing the Alaskan mountains, lakes, and streams as a place of indescribable beauty.

After his experience in Alaska, whenever asked if he welded uphill or downhill, he would laugh and say, “I weld uphill, downhill, sideways or hanging by one arm, whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Through his welding trade, he traveled to different parts of the world working in Algeria, Tunisia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Puerto Rico to name a few.

He enjoyed visiting with the locals and developed many friendships wherever he went.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Brenda Williams, two brothers, Mark Wills and Earl Wills, Jr., and sister-in-law Frances Wills, and Linda Copeland Wills.

He is survived by his three children, Doyle Wills, Karlee Duhon (Corby), and Robert Wills (Megan), his grandchildren Whittney Wills, Kasie Duhon, SrA Kyle Duhon of North Pole, Alaska, Alex and Abby Wills, and two great-grandchildren Joseph and Isabella Lacer; his sister Iris (Sissy) Ivy and Betsy Varnell (Darrell). Bob is also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and numerous lifelong friends.

He was especially blessed to have his sweet cousin, Cassidy Warren, who was such a comfort to him during his two-week battle with the COVID-19 virus.

Also, the special care given by his nurses Misty, Mike, Kimberly, and others.

Appreciation is extended to friends and family for your many prayers and thoughtfulness.

A graveside Memorial services will take place in the Spring of 2021 at Salem Cemetery in Teague, and a date will be announced to family and friends at that time.