Russell “Russ” Wills, 74, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Saint Francis Medical Center.
He was born May 6, 1952 in Perryville to Russell and Neltha Roth Wills.
He and Sandy LaRose were married June 16, 1973 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Perryville.
He was a 1970 graduate of Perryville High School.
Russ served in the Army from 1973 to 1975.
He was manager of the Raben Tire retread shop in Scott City, retiring in 2017. Previously, he had worked as a carpenter. He was an excellent wood worker and was skilled in creating many items, including furniture. He also taught water aerobics at Fitness Plus.
Russ loved being with his grandchildren the most. Additionally, he loved to fish, but more than that, his greatest love was making Christmas cookies for others.
He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau and American Legion Post 158 in Jackson.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy Wills of Cape Girardeau; son, Ryan Wills of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Courtney Wills of Jackson; brother, Larry (Nola) Wills of Conroe, Texas; sister, Lynn Ramsey of Jacksonville, Florida; and grandchildren, Olivia, Isabella and Parker.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Grebe.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be given to Missouri Veterans Home or Street Level Cape Girardeau.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
