Maurice Morning Wills, a native son of Washington, DC, was born on October 2, 1932, becoming one of thirteen children of the late Guy and Mable Wills, and affectionately referred to as “Maury.” The family originally lived in the Anacostia section of Washington before moving permanently to the Northeast section of the city.
Maury’s storied life was influenced by his parents’ faith in the Lord and their solid commitment to hard work and industry to ensure upward mobility for their family in a world that demanded hope and determination. Maury’s father worked as a machinist at the Washington Navy Yard and a Baptist Minister, and his mother was an elevator operator.
Maury’s talents in the world of sports were simply manifest destiny. Whatever the sport: football, baseball or basketball, Maury was there leading the team to victory. “Maury began playing organized baseball at age 14, in a local semipro league. He starred in baseball, basketball, and football at Cardozo High School, earning all-city honors in each sport as a sophomore, junior, and senior. On the baseball diamond, Maury pitched and played third base….He played quarterback on offense, safety on defense, and kicker on special teams. Maury opted to pursue a professional baseball career.” Maury said, “Football was my first love, but baseball was my true love.”
Maury married his high school sweetheart, Gertrude Elliot, in his senior year at Cardozo, and the family increased by six children before the marriage ended in divorce.
Maury’s career in baseball started with signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950 as an infielder. His career endured the roller-coaster ride that’s part of the process of climbing the ladder in the world of professional sports. Maury’s true grit, faith, and determination to surmount life’s obstacles proved to be the winning combination required to cross over into home plate.
Maury’s statistics in the baseball world are documented, recorded, and are there for the ages, and will not be recounted here. He did the best he could do with the talents the Lord blessed him with, and he brought credit to the African American race, his family, the human race writ large, and the world in general. Maury did not allow his frailties to define him, but with that DC strong attitude he engaged in “good trouble.” Not only was he known for stealing bases in the game of baseball, but he stole away from demons that on occasion threw him curves that caused him to fall short of his character and that of his parents’ grounding in faith and scripture.
Maury’s phenomenal and iconic legacy proves that in this America you are entitled to freedom, but you must sponsor your own liberation. Early on, he developed a seriousness of purpose, a commitment to the hard work, and a passion to greet the “dawn and not a setting sun.” Maury’s proudest moments were those occasions in which his hometown of Washington, DC showered him with accolades of gratitude and pride in his accomplishments. Washington, DC, his family, his childhood friends, and friendships developed over his career, were the genesis of his proud memory and the great anchor that sustained him on his long and action-packed journey.
Our Family bows in Thanksgiving to Our Heavenly Father for the loving memory, wonderful life, and the dynamic times of our beloved family member. Rest in peace, Maury, and may you rise in Glory.
Maury
leaves behind to cherish his memories his beloved wife, Carla, and his loving children: Barry Wills, Micki Wills, Elliot “Bump” Wills, Anita Wills, Susan Quam, and Wendi Jo Wills. Siblings: Donald A. Wills (Doretha), Shirley WillsWatkins Anderson, Caroline Wills Anderson, Betty Jean Wills-Worthy, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Maury was predeceased by the following siblings: Dorothy, Guy, Mae, Calvin, Louise, Robert (his wife Irene survives), Patricia, and Marian.
Will the Lord remember me, When I am called to go?
When I have crossed death’s chilly sea,Will He His love there show?
O, yes, He heard my feeble cries, From bondage set me free.
And when I reach the pearly gates, He will remember me.
Praise & Worship Selection
Prayer of Comfort
Scripture Reading:
Bishop Dr. Melvin E. Wills Sr., Celebration Leader Pillars of Faith Holy Church, (Nephew)
“Lift Every Voice”
Ebenezer A.M.E . Praise Team
Rev. Dr. Barbara Ridley
Old Testament Psalm 90:1-10
Elder Keith Parker, (Nephew)
New Testament John 14:1-6 Elder Keith Parker, (Nephew)
Welcome & Greetings from Host Church
Solo “How Great Thou Art”
Recognition of Elected Officials Present
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
First Lady Angela Collins New Life Church Worship Center
(Please stand when your name is called)
Reflection Moment
Intro (Maury Wills Obituary Video Presentation) c/o Los Angeles Dodgers
Special Poem
“Hometown Hero Maury Wills” by Linda Wills, MBA, (Niece)
Celebration Tributes to MAURY WILLS (Limited to 2 minutes each)
1-The Man (His Genuineness)
2-The Believer In Christ (His Faith)
3-The Family Member (His Love /His Humor)
Harold Bell, (Lifetime Friend)
Bishop Mark C. Wills, (Nephew) Senior Pastor, Change of Heart Outreach Ministry
Sherry Wills, MBA,(Great Niece) Special Liturgical Dance (FLY) Robyn Wills-Walker, MBA (Niece)
4-The Athlete (His Skillfulness in Sports)
Andre Ethier, ( Los Angeles Dodgers) Shawn Green, (Los Angeles Dodgers)
5-The Community Supporter (His Impact) Dr. Frazier O’Leary, (Former Cardozao HS Coach)
Solo “It Is Well With My Soul”
Acknowledgements
“Celebrating The Blessed Life of Maury Morning Wills”
Sermonic Selection
Memorial Committal
Final Remarks & Benediction
Ms. Bonnie Burnett
Caroline Wills Anderson, Esq., (Sister)
Reginald J. Rogers, (Family Friend)
Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr.
Senior Pastor Ebenezer A.M.E Church
Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr.
Celebration Leader, Bishop Dr. Melvin E. Wills, Sr.
Invitational Reception Immediately Following Celebration Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Public Relations Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 (323) 224-1301
DODGERS MOURN PASSING OF MAURY WILLS
LOS ANGELES – Legendary Dodger base-stealing wizard Maury Wills died last night at 10:15 p.m. at his home in Sedona, AZ, the team announced. Wills was 89.
Wills, who revolutionized baseball in the 1960s with his base-running exploits, served as a base-running and bunting instructor for the Dodgers’ Major League and minor league players for many years during spring training.
The Dodgers will wear a patch in memory of Wills for the duration of the 2022 season.
In 2010, Wills was voted as the fifth-greatest Los Angeles Dodger of all-time by readers of the Los Angeles Times. “Maury Wills was one of the most exciting Dodgers of all-time,” Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten said. “He changed baseball with his base-running and made the stolen base an important part of the game. He was very instrumental in the success of the Dodgers with three world championships.”
Wills first came to Spring Training with the Dodgers in 1951 at age 18 and worked his way up through the farm system, making his Major League debut with Los Angeles on June 6, 1959. He played 14 Major League seasons with the Dodgers, Pirates and Expos and had a career batting average of .281 with 586 stolen bases, the 20th-highest total in Major League history.
The seven-time All-Star led the league in stolen bases six consecutive seasons from 1960-65, including a then-Major League record 104 in 1962. That season, he earned the National League Gold Glove Award and NL Most Valuable Player honors when he batted .299 with 130 runs, 208 hits, six homers and 48 RBI in 165 games.
The Washington, DC, native appeared in four World Series with the Dodgers (1959, 1963, 1965 and 1966), including world championships in his first three visits to the Fall Classic.
Wills played in the minor leagues from 1951 to 1959 and stole 281 bases there before reaching the big leagues with the Dodgers.
He was the first player to bat on artificial turf on April 18, 1966 at the Houston Astrodome and singled up the middle off Turk Farrell.
While still a player, Wills began managing in Hermosillo, Mexico, between seasons in 1970-71 and was voted the top manager in the league. He realized his dream of becoming a Major League manager when he served as skipper of the Seattle Mariners during the 1980-81 seasons.
Wills spent six years as a baseball analyst for NBC Sports on the Major League Baseball Game of the Week and one year as an HBO network in-studio sports personality. He was an instructor for 15 Major League baseball teams, teaching the art of base-running and base-stealing and trained the Osaka “Hankyu Braves” in Japan for four years.
Under then-Governor Ronald Reagan, Wills was the chairman of athletics for youth in the State of California. He also worked as assistant to then-Pittsburgh Mayor Joseph Barr in youth relations and served as assistant to the district attorney of Clark County, Nevada, for youth programs. He was involved with the Red Ribbon Program, a national organization dedicated to the prevention of drug abuse whose slogan is “Hugs not Drugs,” and he was a youth drug program role model for the Redondo Beach (CA) Crime Watch. Wills also made numerous appearances for the Dodgers’ Community Relations Department.
Wills authored two books: It Pays to Steal (1963) and How to Steal a Pennant (1976).
Born Maurice Morning Wills on Oct. 2, 1932 in Washington, D.C., Wills leaves his wife, Carla, and six children—Barry Wills, Micki Wills, Bump Wills, Anita Wills, Susan Quam and Wendi Jo Wills.
Funeral services are pending.
Angela D. Alsobrooks County Executive
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
October 22, 2022
Caroline Wills 3189 Shadow Park Lane Waldorf, MD 20603
Dear Ms. Wills:
On behalf of the residents of Prince George’s County, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family as you mourn the loss of your brother, Mr. Maurice “Maury” Wills, a beloved, husband, father, brother and legendary American Professional baseball player.
Your brother’s contributions to your family remind us just how much our lives are shaped by those we love and respect, and that we are forever reflections of their love and devotion It is my sincere hope you will find comfort and strength in the tremendous legacy he has left for your family. Let it guide, inspire and encourage you always.
I believe it is our faith that provides us with the strength needed to carry on. The words of Psalm 28:7 have given me solace in times like this and I hope these words will give comfort to each you. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Through faith and prayer, you will find the courage to sustain you.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to bless all of you and keep you.
Sincerely, Angela Alsobrooks County Executive
Very Special
Thanks
Special Recognition and Appreciation to
Planning Committee. Caroline Wills
(Wills)
Worthy,
(Pioneer
A Heartfelt Thank You to
Special Recognition to these
Angela Bell of VXPRO,
Keith Robinson,
of
Wills
(Television
&
of
and
The
(Program
of
and Ms.