ARLINGTON, Texas
Charles “Chuck” A. Wills Jr., a former Whiteland Community High School and TCU football standout who brought his lifelong passion for sports into North Texas schools as a devoted coach and teacher, died Feb. 7, 2016, at Texas Health Arlington Hospital of complications from metastatic melanoma. He was 42.
Affectionately known as a gentle giant by those impressed by his imposing physical stature and warm personality, Chuck had a quick humor and genuine kindness that endeared him to many.
As a senior at TCU in 1994, his fixture as the largest player in one of college football’s most dominant offensive lines helped the Horned Frogs win a share of the Southwest Conference Championship, the school’s first championship in 36 years. The experience propelled him to a career in coaching and instilled in him a great pride for his alma mater. Chuck was a faithful Christian and a loving father and husband.
Charles Alfred Wills Jr. was born April 26, 1973, in Indianapolis, the youngest of Charles and Marlene Wills’ four children.
Chuck is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 18 years, Zabette Wills; children, Colton Grant and Zoey Rose of Arlington, Texas; parents, Charles and Marlene Wills of New Whiteland; siblings, John Wills (Pam) of Celina, Tennessee, Kathleen Witcher (John) of Franklin, Shaleen Jones (Jeff) of Bargersville; niece, Jordan Jones, and nephew, Robert Cooney.
A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday at Whiteland Community High School auditorium.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Zabette Wills at any EECU location, Acct. No. 656636, benefiting Colton and Zoey Wills’ College Fund. Bill pay contributions welcome.
