The late Bishop William O. Wills, Jr. was the founder and senior pastor of Sunshine Training Center, an interdenominational fellowship. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, and attended public schools in Topeka, Kansas; Memphis, Tennessee; High Wycombe, England; Great Falls, Montana; and Tucson, Arizona. He attended Arizona State University (ASU) and graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism. He was a man with a vision and an uncompromising teacher of the Word of God. He was a motivational leader with a strong voice for reconciliation in Tucson and the Southwest.

 

Bishop Wills was committed to building relationships with churches, families, and businesses throughout the city. He was the founder and president of the Racial Reconciliation Community Outreach Network (RRCON).

 

In 1995, he founded and implemented “Friday Night Live,” a ministry that allowed young people to enjoy themselves in a safe environment. He was involved with bringing together pastors and leaders from various cultures and denominations to pool their resources to help each other accomplish their goals. In 1996, Bishop Wills established a food program, which received national recognition from former First Lady Hillary Rodham-Clinton and also received television exposure.

 

Bishop Wills served as Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the Tucson Association of Evangelicals (TAE) and was a member of that board. He also served as a board member with NAE-Arizona, the state branch of the National Association of Evangelicals. He also served as secretary for the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.

 

Bishop Wills received certificates and awards of recognition for “outstanding community service” from the following persons/organizations: Congressman Ed Pastor, former Mayor Robert Walkup, former Mayor George Miller, Council Member Shirley Scott, the Tucson Police Department (TPD), the University of Arizona’s International Student Organization, and Citizens Neighborhood Services (CNS). On May 9, 2004, Senator Mark Anderson presented him with the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace Crown of Peace Award for his outstanding leadership in reconciliation, peacemaking, and service to others. In October 2005, he received the United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation certificate of appreciation for outstanding community service from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). In addition, sponsors Neal Cash, Community Partnership for Southern Arizona, COPE Community Services, League of Latin American Citizens, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Dan Eckstrom, Maiola Coleman, Councilman Steve Leal, Pima County Supervisor Ramon Valadez, Clarence Boykins, Richard Fimbres, Southern Institute of Leadership, Arizona Women’s Conference, and Rigo’s Restaurant honored Bishop Wills with the Rosa Parks Living History Makers Award for his faith-based service.