Obituary from Mariposa Gazette
August 1, 1914

Another break in the line of the honored pioneers of California came this morning when George C. Wills died suddenly at his home on Bear Creek east of town. The final summons came to Mr. Wills almost without warning, heart failure being the cause of death. Mr. Wills was in his usual health and yestereday worked in the hay fields. Last evening he was in his usual spirits and apparently rested well during the night. He arose about 5 o'clock this morning and was in the act of dressing when he was stricken with heart failure. After the stroke he only lived a few minutes.

George Carlisle Wills was 66 years old, a native of Arkansas, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wills, pioneers of Cathey's Valley, having settled there in 1851. The family came overland to California when George was about three years old. He was the oldest child. George Wills continued to reside in Cathey's Valley up to several years ago when he moved to Dos Palos. Some five years ago he removed with his family to the ranch near Merced on Bear Creek, which has been his home since. He was a sterling citizen a man of strict integrity and held in the highest esteem by every one who enjoyed his acquaintance. In addition to the bereaved widow, U. Sibbie Nevel Wills, the following children are left to mourn: Claude P. Wills, Mrs. Mary Faling, Jesse Marvin Wills, Robert B. Wills, all of Merced, Mrs. Violet Handy of Planada, and Mrs Pansy Huffman of Bear Creek. The following sisters survive: Mrs. Hiram Cornett, Mrs. Jane Givens, Miss Emma Wills, and Mrs. J. D. Price, all of Cathey's Valley, Mrs. S. C. Givens of Bear Creek, Mrs. T. G. Pool of Stockton, and Mrs. C. H. Castle and Mrs. S. C. Cornell of Merced.

The funeral will be held in Cathey's Valley Sunday, July 26, at 11 A.M.