Gerald R. Jay Ray Wills

Gerald R. ""Jay Ray"" Wills, 69, of Poplar Bluff passed away, Monday, June 10, 2013 at his residence.

Mr. Wills was born April 8, 1944 in Poplar Bluff. He was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, and had attended Three Rivers Community College. Currently, Mr. Wills was an active member of Westwood Baptist Church, where he was also a member of the choir. During his early years he was the lead singer in the Whole Creation Band as well as the Albatross Band. He retired two years ago from The Manor as supervisor of housekeeping. Mr. Wills loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren, gardening, and music.

On Oct. 19, 1991, he married Kathleen Street in Gibson, Mo. She survives.

Other survivors include two children: Hope Wills and husband, Travis Shields, of St. Louis, and Melissa Lewis and husband, Jeffrey Lewis, Jr., of Poplar Bluff; three grandchildren, Noah Shields and Dakota and Jayden Lewis; three sisters: Dorothy Graham, of Union, MO., Geneva Davis and husband, James V. Davis, of Campbell, and Joyce Gammon, of Hartford, Mich.; a brother, Jerry Wills, of Poplar Bluff; and a sister-in-law, Betty Wills, of Campbell.

His parents, Joseph and Minnie Tibbs Wills, two sisters, Ruth Kearbey and husband, Herbert and Emma Eggleston, and two brothers, Kirby Wills and Lloyd Wills preceded Mr. Wills in death.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Westwood Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Proctor officiating. Burial will be at the City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.