Dr. Bert Wills

Bert Wilson Wills Jr., DDS (retired) died on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at his residence. Dr. Wills was preceded in death by his parents, Bert W. Wills Sr. and Ena Hornsby Wills; and sister, Peggy Wills Marshall. He is survived by sisters, Betty Wills Franklin and Patricia Wills Puett; and children, Bert Wilson (Nancy) Wills III, Becca (Richard) Wills Ott, and David (Amanda) Baxter Wills; and by his granddaughters, Rebecca Sarah Ott, Caroline Wills Ott, Katharine Palmer Wills, Elizabeth Jean Wills, Lindsey Gunter Wills and Alexandra Reid Wills. Bert was born on Nov. 20, 1928, in Avondale, Pa. After his family moved to Missionary Ridge, Bert attended The McCallie School where he lettered in track. Upon graduating, he served in the U.S. Army as an MP in Japan from 194648. After his service, Bert completed undergraduate studies at the University of TennesseeChattanooga and earned his dental degree at the University of Memphis. Bert practiced dentistry for 35 years in Chattanooga and served one term as president of the Tennessee Dental Association. He was a founding member and officer at Rivermont Presbyterian Church. After retiring from his practice in 1989, Bert moved to Seagrove Beach, Fla., and enjoyed tennis, cooking, travel, and visits from his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed working at Seaside Swim and Tennis Center, Modica Market and volunteered at Sacred Heart Hospital, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. In 2012, Bert returned to Chattanooga, where he reunited with friends and family, played bridge and enjoyed the activity on the Tennessee River. The family is grateful for the love and care he received from the staff at the Terrace at Mountain Creek. There will be a graveside service at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the memory of Bert Wills Jr. to the charity of your choice. A memorial guestbook will be available to sign from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday at the funeral home. You can also visit the Wills family virtual guestbook at www.wannfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 4000 Tennessee Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37409, 423-821-7551.