Community mourns passing of Doug Wills, county GOP chairman and fair board member

YORK TOWNSHIP ‒ Douglas S. "Doug" Wills is being remembered as a mentor and a friend, someone who was equally passionate about local politics and the Tuscarawas County Fair.

Wills, 72, a resident of York Township, died Sunday.

He wore many hats in the community. He was the manager of the Dover Buehler's store, chairman of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party, a member of the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections and a member of the Tuscarawas County Agricultural Society (fair board). He was also active in the Dover Rotary.

"His vigorous dedication to the party and maintaining party values was paramount," said Greg Kimble, a member of the local party's executive committee. "Doug’s endless energy spilled into the state level as he recently began his third term as state central committeeman of the 31st District and was elected as the vice chairman of the Ohio Republican party on April 26."

Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statement on his death. "Doug was a good person and will be missed. Fran and I extend our condolences to his wife, Barb, and to their family and friends."

Wills was first elected party chairman in 1997.

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During his time in that post, he played host to a visit to the area by President George W. Bush in 2004, U.S. Sen. John McCain when he was running for president in 2008 and former House Speaker Paul Ryan when he was running for vice president in 2012. In 2016, Wills made his headquarters during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on a houseboat, the Norma Jean, docked behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Lake Erie.

Board of elections member

He had been a member of the board of elections for more than three decades. He took an active role in the disputed House race in 2012 between Al Landis, a Republican, and Josh O'Farrell, a Democrat. Landis won the election by eight votes. The Ohio House of Representatives eventually voted to uphold Landis' victory.

Gail Garbrandt, director of the board of elections and chair of the Tuscarawas County Democratic Party, issued a statement expressing the condolences of her party. "He will be missed. His passing is a loss for the entire county," the statement said.

“We are all shocked and saddened by the news of Doug’s passing," said New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day. "I particularly feel heartbroken for his wife, Barb. She and Doug were a team. Their partnership was built on the mutual love and respect they had for each other. In my mind, Doug’s achievements in life were a direct result of Barb’s support and encouragement.

"Doug Wills was a leader and a champion. He led by example. He inspired me and countless others to enter public service as elected officials because he knew we could make positive impacts on our communities, just like him. Doug Wills was all about energy and positivity. The way he built Tuscarawas County into a Republican stronghold was modeled by other Ohio counties. He was my friend. I will miss his mentorship and his smile," he added.

Added State Rep. Brett Hillyer, R-Uhrichsville, "The conservative movement has lost a tireless and selfless warrior this year. Republican candidates will be at a loss locally, regionally and statewide without Doug's cautioned and wise words. Many of us have lost a great friend who will never be forgotten, nor his impact truly appreciated. Chairman Wills was truly a tenacious influencer in eastern Ohio politics and his legacy will not be forgotten."

County fair and Buehler's

Wills had also been an active member of the fair board for decades. In recent years, he had been in charge of entertainment at the fair.

"Doug will be remembered for his tireless support for the 4-H kids and agricultural community," fair board President Reb Billman said in a statement. "He committed to do whatever it takes to present the best of the Tuscarawas County Fair every single year."

Wills began his career with Buehler's in 1969 as a cleanup boy. After managing grocery operations in New Philadelphia, he became assistant manager at the Dover Buehler’s store in 1984 when the store was located on West Third Street. In 1990, he was asked to head the project to construct a new store on North Wooster Avenue in Dover. He was transferred to the New Philadelphia store on Mill Avenue for more than four years but returned to manage the Dover store in November 2018.

Picking a successor

Day, who is also chairman of the party's central committee, said the executive committee will meet soon to select Wills' successor as party chairman.

The party will also have to pick someone to fill out his unexpired term on the board of elections, which ends March 1, 2025.

The Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia is in charge of arrangements. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Jerusalem Church, 1417 Stonecreek Road SW, New Philadelphia. Services will be at the church at 11 a.m.

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: GOP Chairman Doug Wills was Buehler's manager, fair board member