Robert Wayne Wills

Robert “Bob” Wayne Wills, age 89, of Owensboro passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, leaving behind a legacy of music, education, and love. Born in Mt Sterling to the late Allie Hanson Wills and Edith Murphy Wills, Bob dedicated his life to nurturing musical talent and inspiring countless students through his passion for music. Bob was the esteemed Band Director at Daviess County High School from 1960 to 1985, where he was not only an educator but a visionary. He founded the Daviess County strings program, broadening the musical horizons for young musicians in the community. Under his direction, many championship marching bands were formed, becoming a source of pride for the school and community alike. Known as a fine trumpet player, having studied under Bill Adams at IU, he played with the Owensboro Symphony and the Evansville Symphonic Band. A lifetime musician, Bob's love for music extended beyond teaching. He instilled this passion in his students, becoming an inspiration to generations of aspiring young musicians. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Bob brought joy and laughter to those around him, enriching the lives of his family, friends, and students.

In addition to his parents, Bob also was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ruth Bashaw, and brother, Donald Lee Wills.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of almost 45 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Huehls Wills; four children, Ashley Gambrell (Dallas) of Palm Bay, FL, John Robert Wills (Clara) of Cincinnati, OH, Robert “Bobby” Wills of Philpot, and Terri Fryman (Steve) of Georgetown; eight grandchildren, Dallas Gambrell II, Francis Gambrell, Irenaeus Gambrell, Magdalena Gambrell, Katie Treesh (Aaron), Sloane Wills, Tyler Fryman (Kelsey), and Stephanie Landrum (Cody); nine great grandchildren, Caleb, Zachariah, Anna Kate, and Ellie Treesh, Hunter and Brinley Landrum, Wyatt, Carrson, and Kennedy Fryman; sister, Linda Wells; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, June 10 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm and Tuesday from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Entombment will follow in Owensboro Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hospice and Palliative Care of W. Kentucky.

Condolences and memories for Bob’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.