Ronald Stephen Wills, 84, of Lebanon, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Born on July 11, 1941, to Wayne and Helen (nee: McVey) Wills in Clarksville, OH. Ron was an avid golfer with seven hole-in-one accomplishments to his name. He often scored below his age and played his last round one month before his death. The golf course was one of his favorite places to spend time with his friends and family. At an early age Ron had a love for horses. He rode and raised colts for most of his life until the age of 76. Ron was a blacksmith for more than 25 years. He still holds the record for being the oldest cowboy to ride across central Florida on the Cracker Trail Ride at the age of 72 in 2013.

Ron surprised his friends and family with a later-in-life passion for flowers and gardening. His handy work could be seen year-round at his Ohio and Florida residences. He'd always kept his yard, pastures, fences, and hay fields in immaculate condition.

Ron enjoyed reading and was a member of a book club for more than 14 years. He spoke often about his friendships and experiences with other members of this club. Ron loved to mentor, coach and teach. He helped raise two boys with his first wife of 33 years, Elly. He remarried to Rhea and helped raise two boys and a girl. Ron and Rhea have been married for 33 years.

Ron Wills, died from Pulmonary Fibroses Chronic Lung Disease shortly after his 84th birthday. This is not a disease that sneaks up on anyone as the dying can be a slow process of decline over years. Rather than falling into self-pity, Ron prepared for death as purely and consciously as possible. He went about connecting with everyone who meant something to him and making sure they knew how much he appreciated and cared about their relationship. Ron did his best to make saying "goodbye" as easy as possible for all that knew and loved him.

Preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Jessica Choate and one brother, Barry Wills. He is survived by his wife, Rhea Guard Wills, four sons, Gregg (Jill) Wills, Chris (Amy) Wills, Larry (Courtney) Laird and John (Kate) Laird, one brother, Farrel Wills, three sisters, Dina Wills, Rita (Richard) Valent and Vandana (Steve) Whitney and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation, Monday, August 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM with a funeral service immediately following at 11:00 AM, all at the Otterbein Lebanon Chapel. Interment will follow in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.