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Pastor Burton Byron Wills, 83, of Benton, passed away on Monday evening, August 26, 2024, at his home.
He was born on October 31, 1940, to Byron and Wilma (Burton) Wills in Benton, IL.
He married Roberta J. Summers on August 8, 1959 and they built a beautiful life together for 65 years.
Burton was a well-respected teacher and coach, eventually going into the real estate and appraisal business until his retirement. He was also the pastor of Grace Bible Church for 27 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta; 3 children: Julle (Ron) Whaley, Tim (Kelly) Wills, and Brad (Sandra) Wills, all of Benton. 6 grandchildren: Megan (Ian) Marlow of Benton; Molly (Mark) Uhles of Benton; Dr. Jordan Wills of Chesterfield, MO; Austin Wills of Nashville, TN; Mason Wills of Effingham, IL; and Mia Wills of Benton. 4 great-grandchildren: Brett Merkel, Lucas Marlow, Sophia Marlow, and Ellie Mae Uhles. And his loyal caregivers: Dawn Vandom and Whitney Whaley.
Burton was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tim Wills, and sister-in-law Joyce Wills.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 beginning at 10:00am, followed by funeral service at 1:30pm at Grace Bible Church, 107 N Court St. in Benton. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s hospital.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Pastor Burton Byron Wills, please visit our floral store.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/