Nigel Francis Wills

Nigel Francis Wills, 73, passed away on February 25, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, with his beloved wife, Debbie, by his side after a courageous six-year battle with cancer.

Born on October 11, 1951, in London, England, Nigel grew up in Sevenoaks and Otford, Kent, before attending Newcastle University, where he earned a BSc in Geology. He began his career with the National Coal Board in the UK before joining Alfred McAlpine, where he worked on geological exploration projects in South Africa. Following his time there, he was transferred to the United States to facilitate the acquisition of R&S Materials. He remained in the U.S. as the company acquired Becker Minerals, then transitioned under Hanson Aggregates and later Lehigh Cement, which became part of Heidelberg Materials. Through his dedication and expertise, he rose to the role of Director of Land and Mineral Services for North America, retiring after more than 39 years of service.

Nigel was deeply involved in the industry, serving terms as President of both the Mining Association of South Carolina and the North Carolina Aggregates Association.

Beyond his professional life, Nigel was a lifelong train enthusiast, with a meticulously cataloged collection of British model trains from the grouping era and early British Rail. He also collected Royal Mail stamps and had an enduring love for British classic rock music, Premier League soccer, Formula One racing, and a proper English beer—especially Fuller’s ESB.

While living in Cheraw, South Carolina, Nigel and his family were members of St. David’s Episcopal Church. He also chaired the committee that helped establish the current location of the Matheson Library, ensuring the community had an improved and expanded public library. A hardworking man with high standards, he believed in doing things the right way and always wanted the best for the people he loved.

Nigel is survived by his wife, Debra (Debbie) Wills; his children, Jeremy Wills and Fiona Wills; stepchildren, Boone Dryden, April Jones, and Jalana Schmidt, his grandson, Oaklan McIntosh; step-grandchildren, Josephine Jones and Kenzie Martinez; former wife and mother of his children, Pamela (Pam) Wills; his mother, Marian Wills; and his siblings, Alison Richardson [Robert Richardson] and David Wills [Sue Wills]. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Wills.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options.  If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/110742

There will be a short reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nigel’s memory to the National Railway Museum (UK) to honor his lifelong passion for trains at: https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/support-museum or to Friends of the Chesterfield County Libraries (SC) (checks payable to FOCCL  and mailed to:  Chesterfield County Library System, Attn: Director, 119 Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709) to support the library he helped expand.