John Eric Wills, 53, of Lexington, VA, died Monday, September 19, 2011 at his residence.

He was born on November 16, 1957 in Altoona, PA, the son of Patrick David and Betty Jane (Burger) Wills.

He was the fourth of five children: Elizabeth Hale of Boalsburg, PA, Carol Tromm of Bellemeade, PA, Steven Wills of State College, PA and Brian Wills of Altoona, PA. He was the father of three sons: Shane Wills of Beaufort, NC, Corey Wills of Newport, NC and Devin Wills, deceased.

John graduated from Bellwood Antis High School in 1976. Academics were very important to John - he earned his BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University in 1980 and 1982. His specialty was thermodynamics, heating and cooling systems in particular. After graduation he worked as a mechanical engineer/plant engineer for a number of east coast corporations, including Meade, Carrier, Trane, Hankison, and Munters Des Champs. Long before geothermal energy was a widely recognized term, John designed and constructed a patentable geothermal heating and cooling system at his own home.

His sons were his love and main priority in his life, spending as much time with them as he could. He also enjoyed skiing, bluegrass music, mountain biking and camping, particularly sitting around a camp fire enjoying a cup of espresso or a beer with his friends. Given his engineering background, he liked gadgets and was always tinkering, whether that be constructing his energy efficient home or integrating sophisticated electronics. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Betty, and his son, Devin. He is survived by his father, Patrick; his siblings, Elizabeth, Carol, Steven and Brian; his sons, Shane and Corey; and a grandson, Austin Tanner Wills of Beaufort, NC.

There will be no public visitation or burial. A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family. Details of this celebration will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.