Joseph Bernard "Bernie" Wills

Joseph Bernard "Bernie" Wills

Joseph Bernard "Bernie" Wills, 84, of Dinwiddie, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025.

Bernie is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Laura Peters Wills; his daughter, Theresa Wills (Paul Simmons, Jr.); sister, Phyllis Wehner (Kenneth); brother, William "Bill" Wills (Pamela); numerous nieces and nephews; and his three beloved cats, Bear, Abby, and Henry.

Born in Richmond, VA, he was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Blackwell Wills and Rose Cimburke Wills; his son, Steven Lawrence Wills; as well as, his brother, John Edward Wills.

Following graduation from Petersburg High School in 1958, Bernie hitchhiked from Virginia to California, where he followed his passions of swimming, weightlifting, and running. A lifelong and avid runner, he completed 26 marathons, but was better known as the daily runner of Route 1 in Dinwiddie County, where he logged thousands of miles on hundreds of pairs of Saucony running shoes. Following four years of service in the U.S. Army, Bernie was graduated from Richard Bland College of William & Mary, and completed a 25-year career at C&P Telephone/Bell-Atlantic, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the Peterburg Old Geezers Organization (POGO).

Bernie, a lover of all animals, was known for watching wildlife and caring for any stray animal that appeared at his doorstep.

He was a devout Catholic and faithful member of St. John Nepomucene Church in Dinwiddie for decades.

The family would like to send its appreciation to Crater Community Hospice for its kind and supportive services. Special thanks go to Hope Brown, Tijuana Epps, and Scot Rollie, who were Bernie's guardian angels.

A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at St. John Nepomucene Church in Dinwiddie. Interment to follow in the church's cemetery immediately following the mass. The family will host a luncheon, in the church hall, following the interment. The family is being served by the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bernie's memory to St. John Nepomucene Church or to Crater Community Hospice.

Condolences may be registered online at jtmorriss.com.