Mr. Willie James Harris

Mr. Willie James “Buddy” Harris, age 90, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, passed away on November 21, 2022. Willie was born in Greensboro, Alabama February 25, 1932. He chose to leave school to join the Navy in 1950. Willie later went back to complete his GED. He served a total of 15 years in the Navy, allowing him to travel all over the globe. Willie has worn many career hats in his 90 years of life. He has traveled for work, as well as working right here in Johnson City, TN. He was a jack of all trades; he was a construction worker, laid carpet around the Tri-Cities, did janitorial work, and you would frequently see him, even at 90 years old, weed-eating his own yard. Willie was always around to offer a helping hand to anyone who may need it. He believed in helping others and expecting nothing in return. Willie worked many years with Ed Street Construction before retiring. Upon retiring, Willie returned to work at Creative Energy, where he dedicated many years, before retiring in 2022 after his health began to decline. Willie was known to love fishing, especially with some good friends or family. He was a cook in the Navy, and returned home to cook for his family and friends, which he was definitely loved for. In the last seven years, he was most happy spending time with his great-grandson. Willie had a heart of gold. He was stubborn, but the love he gave was something you held onto. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting him, you know just how blessed you were. Willie is preceded in death by his father, Herman Harris; mother, Sylvia King; sisters, Julia Mae Cousins, Catherine Foster, and Martha Lee Brownlee; brothers, Frank Harris, Albert Harris, Percy Harris, and Jesse Harris; son, James Charles Harris; and his daughter, Heather Nicole Harris. Willie is survived by his sons, Marcus Harris, of Texas, Gregory Harris, of Florida, and Mark Alexander, of Johnson City, TN; daughter, Katherine (Thomas) Madison, of Johnson City, TN; grandson, Grant Madison, of Johnson City, TN; granddaughter, Gaybreala (Mardquies) Person, of Johnson City, TN; his namesake, affectionately known as "Little Man", his great-grandson Kristopher James Madison, of Johnson City, TN; special niece, Bertha Mae Swepson, of Johnson City, TN; special nephew, Lynn Stuart, of Nashville, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved their Uncle Buddy. The family of Willie Harris wishes to thank Silver Angels for the care and services provided, Jonesborough Police Department for caring for Papaw and checking on him every night, and all of our family and friends who have reached out, come by, and sent prayers. God bless you all. We ask that you continue to pray for us and our strength in God during these difficult times. Papaw, we love you. Rest Well. Services for Mr. Willie James Harris will be conducted Monday, November 28, 2022 at 12:30 pm from Grace Temple. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until the hour of service. Burial will follow at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Moutain Home, TN.

Mr. Willie James Harris

February 25, 1932 - November 21, 2022