Nadine Wills

Nadine M. Wills

Crystal River, Florida

Nadine Elizabeth Milton Wills died on August 19, 2022, aged 92.  Born in 1930 in Ocala, FL, she was the daughter of Louis V. and Julia E. Hiers Milton.  After graduation from Ocala High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Russell Bryan Wills, in November, 1948, and was married for over 70 years until his 2020 death.

Nadine was bookkeeper for several Ocala businesses, including Keystone Jewelers and Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute.  Nadine and Russell moved to Gainesville, FL, for several years where she also worked while he was a student at the University of Florida.  When they returned to Ocala, she worked with Weaver, Duggan, and Joiner CPAs, for 20 years.  She also developed an independent bookkeeping service, and when Russell became postmaster in Crystal River in 1980, she incorporated and operated an accounting business, primarily serving physicians, before retiring in 1992.

Nadine loved being outdoors and enjoyed swimming, boating, and fishing with her husband and family.  She also loved gardening and cooking.  Nadine was foremost a devoted Christian, and much of her life was dedicated to church service.

While in Ocala, Nadine was an active member of the Oak-Griner Baptist Church serving as Sunday School teacher and member of many committees, including the finance committee.  On moving to Crystal River, she joined First Baptist Church of Crystal River and became an active member.  After retirement, she and Russell served for nine years with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board as missionary staff support in Mexico City, MX; San Jose, Costa Rica; and El Paso, TX.  Upon their return to Crystal River in 2001, she resumed active church service (including the stewardship and finance committees).  She was also a member of The Gideon International for over 40 years.

Survivors include daughter Phyllis Wills Lloyd and husband Michael of Griffin, GA; Larry R. Wills and wife Faith of Oxford, MS; and Russell B. Wills, Jr. (Rusty) and wife Carolyn of Ocala, FL; grandsons Jonathan Lloyd of Asheville, NC; and Christopher Lloyd of Griffin, GA; granddaughter Emily Sugarbaker of Oxford, MS; great-grand twins Joey and Aiden Sugarbaker of Oxford, MS; and step-grandchildren Clint and Shawna Folsom, Burt and Dorie Folsom, and Terrie Lynn Folsom, all of Ocala, FL; and great step-grandchildren Wyatt Fenton, Tara Espada, and Megan Anderson, also of Ocala, FL.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, and her older siblings, Ruth L. Milton, and Ray E. Milton.

Interment will be held on Saturday, August 27, in Anthony, FL.  Viewing for family and friends will be held between 1:30 pm and 2 pm, at the Countryside Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 2 pm at the Anthony Cemetery.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Crystal River First Baptist on Sunday, August 28, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the building fund program, Flood Free in 2023, at Crystal River First Baptist Church, or to The Gideon International Bible Fund.