House Joint Resolution 87, sponsored by Hemmer, honors the memory of Ridley Wills II, a distinguished community leader, historian, and philanthropist from Nashville, who recently passed away. A fifth-generation Nashvillian and a 1956 graduate of Vanderbilt University, Wills was a military veteran and served as an officer in the United States Navy. He had a successful career at National Life and Accident Insurance Company, where he was elected to the board in 1976 and served as senior vice president until his retirement in 1982. Following his retirement, Wills became a prolific author and historian, teaching local history and writing extensively about Nashville and its notable residents.

Wills was deeply involved in his community, holding leadership positions in various organizations, including the YMCA, the Tennessee Historical Society, and Vanderbilt University, where he supported scholarships for medical students. He received numerous accolades for his charitable work and was an active member of The Downtown Presbyterian Church. The resolution reflects on Wills's legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication, and expresses condolences to his family, acknowledging the significant impact he had on his community and the lives of those around him.