Richard James Wills

Richard James Wills, known to many as Jim, passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 56. Born on August 2, 1970, Richard will be remembered as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a proud veteran, and a person whose warmth, humor, and unmistakable personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Richard served his country as a tanker in the United States Army. During his military service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Sharpshooter Badge for Pistol. That spirit of strength and dedication remained with him throughout his life and was reflected in the way those closest to him spoke of him: brave, strong, and deeply committed to the people he loved.

He built a working life that included 15 years with Lowes, time at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, and work as a photographer at Sea World and Aquatica. Of those roles, Aquatica held a special place for him, especially because he enjoyed having his own desk. He was also loved by the gaming community and by the many gaming friends who shared in his interests and companionship over the years.

Richard embraced life with enthusiasm and unmistakable individuality. He was a big Star Wars fan and took great joy in collecting Star Wars merchandise. He also loved Warhammer 40K and spent time painting his miniatures, bringing patience and creativity to a hobby he enjoyed. He was a TikTok shopper, loved music and singing, and appreciated all kinds of music. He could be playful and childish in the best sense, and he especially loved spending time with his family. His favorite meal was spaghetti, and even after his stroke, his sense of humor endured—along with the swear words he was still known for remembering.

Some of Richard’s happiest moments were the simple ones shared with his grandchildren. He loved sharing popsicles with them, and over time popsicles became his favorite food. Those sweet, ordinary memories became treasured family traditions: hugs before leaving the house, trips to the park, flying kites, sharing food, and the small acts of affection and indulgence that made him such a beloved pawpaw.

The love Richard gave to his family is reflected in the words they carry forward. His niece remembered Uncle Jim as brave, strong, and devoted to family, someone whose love brought warmth and whose laugh lit up the world. She remembered how freely he shared his passions with family and friends, and how deeply he was cherished. His best friend, Lavell McPherson, remembered him with profound affection—as a brother, a source of advice, wisdom, jokes, and companionship, a spades partner, a pool companion, and someone with whom to share rides and adventures at Disney, Sea World, and Universal.

His grandchildren held him close in their hearts and in their memories. Jahmir remembered wanting his motorcycle fixed because he loved Pawpaw. One grandchild remembered sharing food and popsicles with him, hugging him before leaving the house, and going outside with him at the park. Another remembered their special time together, their hugs, and the love Richard showed even before they met. Another lovingly remembered how Pawpaw would give treats and candy, enjoy popsicles together, and fly kites. These memories speak to the tenderness, fun, and comfort he gave so naturally.

His daughter Cabriah shared the depth of a daughter’s love for a father who was always there. She remembered a lifetime of memories, laughter, arguments, and love, and described him as someone she could always count on, someone who showed up for her again and again. She remembered the safety of his dependability, the lessons he taught her about being an amazing parent, and the example he set in loving deeply and unconditionally. She will carry his love, his lessons, his laughter, and his memory with her always.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie; his daughters, Timara Cooley-Miller and Cabriah Wills; his mother, Malee Wills; his brother, Doug Wills; his sister-in-law, Amanda Wills; his nieces, Ashley Wills, Kiana Wills, and Chrisheena Wills; his grandchildren, Joseph Miller, Kyhlani Johnson, Skyla Miller, and Jahmir Miller; and his best friend, Lavell McPherson. Each of them, along with many extended loved ones, friends, and members of the gaming community, carries forward the memory of a man who loved fiercely, laughed fully, and made the people around him feel seen and loved.

Richard James Wills leaves behind a legacy of devotion, humor, music, friendship, and family love. He will be remembered in the laughter he inspired, in the hobbies he shared, in the songs he loved to sing, and in the quiet, precious moments that meant the most to those closest to him. His memory and his love will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.