James "Willard" Harris Jr. peacefully departed this life on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at his residence of Lynchburg Health and Rehabilitation Center in the company of devoted nurses at 4:27 p.m.

Willard, as he was affectionately known, was born on January 20, 1953 in Amherst, Virginia to the late James Willard Harris Sr. and Dorothy Harris.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Raymond and Essie Harris; two brothers, Charles and Raymond Harris and three sisters, Pauline and Sherry Harris, and Doris Harris McDaniel.

Willard attended the public schools of Amherst County and possessed a love for sports.  As an adult, he started his career at Aerofin Corporation and continued to play softball and basketball in the City League. Willard was an outstanding athlete.

After years of service to Aerofin, he entered the world of entrepreneurship in which he detailed cars, provided lawn care services, and cleaned and maintained the homes of many.

Willard loved telling jokes to anyone that would listen.  He also loved playing cards and showing card tricks.  He would literally leave you with your mouth wide open, stunned.  He still had a few tricks up his sleeve even after his decline in health. In fact, on his 67th birthday, he shared the secret to one of his number one tricks with his granddaughter, Diamond.

He always talked about how grateful he was that God didn't give up on him.  He often discussed the numerous times God had given him the chance to "make it right" through spending time with his children and grandchildren, and reconnecting with those he loved.

Due to the current pandemic, visitors were not allowed in nursing home facilities.  What seemed to be a difficult situation, turned out to be not so bad, he adjusted well to "window visits" in which his family would sneak in goodies.  He also reaped the benefits of door dash and insta- cart, this allowed him to still get some of his favorite things (moonpies, cheetos, caramel candy, fig newtons, Fanta drinks which recently turned into sparkling ice waters, Chick-fil-a, Shakers, and Chinese).  Needless to say, Willard was spoiled rotten!

Those left to cherish his memories are his four children, Tamela Harris-Rouff (Samuel) of Appomattox, Virginia, Ashleigh Harris of Lynchburg, Virginia; James Hamlette of Brookneal, Virginia and LaKisha Sorrells of Madison Heights, Virginia; his fur baby, Ninja; eight sisters, Candra George of Norfolk, Virginia, Sarah Harris of Richmond, Virginia, Faye and Betty Harris, both of Amherst, Virginia, Arlene Braxton (Dale) and Denista Pannell (Morris), all of Madison Heights, Virginia, Doretha Harris of Lynchburg, Virginia and Eldridge Harris (Gretchen) of Maryland; eight grandchildren, Diamond, Xavier, Tre, Kingston, Kayla, Kaylen, Shaq and Traivon; one great grandchild, Zayvian, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held 1PM Monday, December 21, 2020 at Davis-Turner Funeral Service with Elder Brittany Smith, Eulogist.