April 4, 1939 – July 11, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Leroy Wills on July 11, 2025, at the age of 86 in Cicero. He was a beloved husband to Anita Smith Wills for 33 years until her passing in 2018, a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He was born on April 4, 1939, in Noblesville to Ralph Wills Sr. and Ida Mae Statzer. He attended school at Jackson Central H.S. and started his career at Roy Anderson’s farm, along with Conner Prairie and Wills Towing. To follow his love of the automotive industry, he went to work at Don Hinds Ford, and later retired after 15 years from Farm Bureau Co-Op.
David was known for his love of racing and motorsports. He showed up to any event proudly wearing his Bill Elliott #94 belt buckle. He found joy in NASCAR, the Indianapolis Colts, Pacers, and Fever, cruising the town of Cicero in his golf cart, buying and trading cars, and spending time with his family. David leaves behind a legacy of humor and humility, much like a strong piece of the NASCAR culture.
David is survived by his children, Beth Grote (Dennis), Edward Wills (Sonia), William Wills (Bridget), Carmen Shew (Samer Butros), John Wills (Betty Jo), Betty White (Dave), Michael Smith (Jada); grandchildren, Carrie Miller, Sheila Chandler, David Mason (Jessica), Andy Sherley (Jes), Raven Ventimiglia (Tim), Brad Grote, Alyssa Wright (Matt), Kelli Wills, Kristine Schroeder (Erik), Shaenya Hubbard (Richard), Shyann Wills (Constance), Karastyn Osswald (Jordan), AJ Wills, Reese Wills (Sheila), Shelby Wills, Ryan Uhrick (Darcy), Riley White (Abrah), Chris Bannister (Megan), Sebastian Jeffries, Jessica Kirby, Jordan Kirby (Joe), Grace Tapley, and Lucas Tapley; 37 great-grandchildren; brother, Ralph Wills Jr.; sister, Janet Browning; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Gene Wills and Kenneth Wills; sister, Rosemary Franz; and daughter, Carol.
To honor David’s life, visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Hartley Funeral Home, Cicero, with the funeral service starting at 1 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Cicero Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Victory Junction in David’s honor.
We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of David on his memorial page. Let us remember him for the adventurous, reliable, loyal, and loving individual he was. His spirit will forever live on in our hearts, and his legacy will continue through the stories we share.
“It’s bad to see somebody pass away. But look at all the good that came from it.” Bill Elliott #94
Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com