April 27, 1943 – October 10, 2024
Willard Avery Harris, 81, passed away peacefully at the Lower Cape Fear Angel House on Thursday morning, October 10, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. His family finds comfort in knowing that his brothers, Cecil and Ray Harris along with their parents, Chester and Meta Harris, were eagerly awaiting his heavenly arrival.
Willard was a lifelong resident of Columbus County and a devoted member of the community. He held several roles during his time of service, including Columbus County Coroner, President of Civitan Internarial, an active member of Chadbourn Fire & Rescue, owner and operator of Harris’ Jewelers of Chadbourn, Willard’s Shell of Chadbourn, and Harris Glass of Chadbourn. Willard also found great joy in Working for the Columbus Correctional Institution for over 20 years. While he took tremendous pride in serving his community, he felt that his greatest role if life was being a father and grandfather. He was loved and adored by his two daughters, Wendy White and Christy Moore and three grandchildren, Austin White, Ashton Cumbie, and Carlee Seagroves. Willard was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 35 years, Ruth Coleman Harris. Together they enjoyed spending time on the farm, working in their garden, and being active members of Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church.
Willard is survived by his wife, Ruth Coleman Harris; daughters, Wendy White and Christy Moore (Michael); grandchildren, Austin White, Ashton Cumbie (Jacob), and Carlee Seagroves (Tyler); sisters, Sarah Roberts and Janice Byrd (Roger), and step-children, Dale Coleman (Sheila), Deborah Mathis, Robin Williamson, and Barry Housend (preceded); host of step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved very much.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October, 12th, 2024 in the chapel of Worthington Funeral Home with Pastor Buddy Seay officiating. Burial will follow in the Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery.
The family will hold a time a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Worthington Funeral Home in Chadbourn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beaverdam Original Free Will Baptist Church in Willard’s loving memory. (2665 Beaverdam Road, Chadbourn, NC 28431)
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