William Garland Wills, IV

Published 11:46 am Monday, December 30, 2024

Sept. 26, 1967 – Dec. 26, 2024

NATCHEZ – William Garland (Gary) Wills passed away on Dec. 26, 2024.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at Jefferson Street Methodist Church, at 511 Jefferson Street in Natchez, from 2:30 until 4 p.m. followed by a service at 4 p.m.

Gary was born to William and Flora Wills on Sept. 26, 1967, in Jackson, MS. He attended Woodland Hills High School where he excelled at tennis. He graduated in 1986 and went on to attend Mississippi State University. While at Mississippi State, Gary joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity and later graduated in 1990 with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Gary began his career in Dallas, TX, where he worked for Lambert Landscape Co. for eight years. In 1999, Gary launched his own business, Creative Exteriors. After the birth of his daughter, Ainsley, Gary moved to Natchez, MS to raise his daughter closer to home and family, relocating his successful and thriving landscape business there as well.

Fatherhood became the greatest source of joy in Gary’s life. He and Ainsley shared a daring sense of adventure; attending concerts, hiking in national parks, and running the St. Jude’s

half marathon (one of many). Gary and Ainsley were inseparable. All of Gary’s friends and family expected his trademark sly humor. Always ready to smile, laugh, flip the golden fleece on

top of his head, and crack a clever joke; the twinkle in Gary’s eyes was dependably accompanied

by his sharp wit. Gary also possessed a knowledgeable and diverse appreciation of music,

enjoying concerts, watching vintage music videos, and, on more than one occasion, performing

air drum solos in his car.

Professionally, Gary’s creativity in design and extensive knowledge of plant and tree species culminated in distinctly beautiful and innovative work. Widely respected, his business was featured in numerous magazines including Cottage, Southern Cottage, Bluffs & Bayou, and Social South among others.

Gary loved his dogs and his Mississippi State Bulldogs. He often frequented Emerald Mounds, enjoying the outdoors and throwing the ball with Nola. He was a loyal supporter of Mississippi State, usually found in the Grid Iron with a cowbell in his hand. This year, Gary and Ainsley enjoyed a special football season together as Ainsley is a freshman at Mississippi State.

While he excelled in his work and his many endeavors, his most singular focus was his love for and devotion to Ainsley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.