It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wallace Bryan Wills, 68, on Sunday March 5, 2023 while wintering in Florida with his wife, Ginger, by his side. Bryan was a dedicated family man and passionate about his work, his friends, and his country. He and Ginger spent their last two years together “chasing 70” and traveling the country in their RV.

 

Born to a military family stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, upon his family returning stateside he began studying clarinet at the age of nine in the Maryland public school system and graduated from Pikeville College, KY with a degree in Music Education. He pursued graduate work at Butler University in Indianapolis, studying with the famed clarinetist Achille Rossi of the Indianapolis Symphony. Bryan later entered the U.S. Army Band program and performed as solo clarinetist with the 74th Army Band in Indianapolis, the 76th Army Band in Kaiserslautern Germany, and the 1st Cavalry Division Band at Ft. Hood TX. He then completed the Officer Bandmaster courses at the Armed Forces School of Music, Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Norfolk, VA and Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD and was commissioned as a Warrant Officer. Bryan’s first command was the 101st Airborne Division Band, Ft. Campbell, KY. He later led the 3rd Armored Division Band, Frankfort Germany; and the 493rd V Corps Band in Wiesbaden, Germany.

 

After 22 years with the Army, his final embarkment before retiring was that of Directorate of Training and Doctrine at the Armed Forces School of Music. During his distinguished military career Bryan was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards); the Army Commendation Medal (3 awards) and the Army Achievement Medal.

 

Shortly following Army retirement, Bryan assumed the position as Director of Bands for Currituck HS in North Carolina. In 1999 he accepted the position of Director of Bands at F.W. Cox High School where he was honored as a Distinguished Educator twice and earned 2 Honor Band designations. Following his time at Cox he spent three years at Kempsville High School where he again was awarded an honor band designation. He accepted the band director position at First Colonial HS in 2010.

 

After over 23 years of teaching music in the Virginia public school system, retirement was once again knocking at Bryan’s door. His final gift to music education was in supervision of music student teachers through James Madison University. During his lengthy and notable tenure, he taught hundreds of music-hungry students - inspiring many to become teachers themselves - Music Theory, High School Band, String Orchestra, and even eager pre-K music students towards the end of his career.

 

In addition to his teaching position, Bryan also conducted and performed clarinet and saxophone professionally with numerous concert and jazz bands in the United States and Europe and entertained many as a member of and regular performer with the Virginia Wind Symphony. 

 

Preceded in death by his parents Ruth and William Lewis Wills, brother Cary Wills of Ashland KY; and his companion feline “Mimi”. Bryan is survived by his loving wife Ginger and a large, adoring family; daughter Amanda and son Jason; son-in-law Nicholas and daughter-in-law Jennifer; sister Patricia (Danny) and brother Mark; grandchildren Addison, Aubrey, Benjamin, Alexander, Emily, Kyle and Nolan. In addition to his cherished family, Bryan enjoyed the company of numerous friends, fellow servicemembers, students and acquaintances far and wide. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 3rd at Francis Asbury Methodist Church, 1871 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 services will begin at 1:30pm. Please RSVP to Nick Wall at nolawall222@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Bryan’s memory to the Virginia Wind Symphony, www.virginiawindsymphony.org or virginiawindsymphony@gmail.com.