Thomas "Tom" Wills, 78, a vibrant soul, of Citrus Heights, CA and formerly of Grand Forks, ND transitioned on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael, CA.

Thomas Eugene Wills was born on September 27, 1945, in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Robert and Isabel (Berard) Wills.  He was raised in Grand Forks, attending Lincoln Elementary School, South Junior High School and graduating from Grand Forks Central High School in 1964.  He went on to attend the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND.

In 1966, he embarked on a four-year journey with the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Kennebec (a fleet oil-tanker) and was stationed at San Francisco, CA.  He was honorably discharged from active military service and continued to live in California.  Tom's life was a rich tapestry of experiences and passions.  His canvas of life was painted with the hues of California's sunsets and the companionship of his beloved dog, Fergie.

Tom married Joanne (Joy) McCoy and they divorced years later.  He retired in 1997 and embraced the joys of retirement by cultivating a deep love for oil painting.   Tom lived in Magalia, CA until the town was destroyed by a fire in 2017.   Despite the challenges of the Magalia Fire, Tom found resilience and relocated to Citrus Heights, CA.   He was a great father and celebrated life along with his lady friend, Jeannie Plehn.  He loved California, sailing in his sailboat, and really loved his dog, Fergie. His life is a legacy as enduring as the strokes of his beloved oil paintings.

He is survived by his lady friend, Jeannie Plehn; a son, Patrick (Kathleen) Wills; a daughter, Brianna (Jeff) St. Clair; a stepdaughter, Heather Joy; a brother, James Wills; a sister, Sally (John) Brown; grandchildren, Marian St. Clair, Georgia St. Clair, Colton, St. Clair, Joesph St. Clair, Daniel St. Clair, Thomas St. Clair and Raiden Vines-Bright.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law, Ann Marie Wills, and his grandparents.

A Family Celebration of Tom's Vibrant Life: Will be held at a later date, in Grand Forks, ND.