Willie Harrison Jr.
April 20, 1936 ~ September 2, 2025
Willie Harrison Jr, aged 89, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025.
Willie, affectionately known as “Lil Man,” was born on April 20, 1936, to the late Willie and Willie Mae Harrison in Edgefield, South Carolina. He attended Springfield Baptist Church where he was baptized as a young child.
Willie received his early education in the Edgefield public schools before building a life defined by hard work, dedication, faith, and love.
A Man of Faith
Willie was a devoted man of God and an active member of Mt. Calvary Holy Church under the leadership of Bishop Nellie C. Yarborough. He served faithfully as a Trustee, sang with the Gospel Choir, tended the church garden, and joyfully taught others how to grow produce. He was always willing to lend a hand, often providing transportation for fellow church members to services, events, and their homes.
When Willie and his wife, Sylvia, relocated to Virginia, they joined Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, where he continued his service as a Deacon for nearly two decades. Later, upon moving to Georgia, they became members of Grace Baptist Church, where they attended faithfully until their health began to decline. No matter where life took him, Willie kept God first in his heart and home.
Work and Community
Alongside his deep faith, Willie was the epitome of hard work and perseverance. For decades, he drove trucks for American Paper Box and Atlas, delivering across the United States and Canada. He was well-known in the Boston area for providing transportation to college students, leaving lasting memories with his storytelling, laughter, and quick wit. Together with his beloved wife, Sylvia, Willie helped establish and sustain her daycare, which thrived for more than forty years and inspired young children in both Boston and Virginia.
While living in Boston, Willie also became a proud Mason. His membership and active involvement in the brotherhood meant the world to him, and he cherished the bonds and values it represented throughout his life.
Family and Legacy
Willie is preceded in death by two children, Doretha and Sylvester Harrison. Six siblings—Rayfield Harrison, Powel Willie Harrison, Bobby Harrison, James Earl (speed) Harrison, Wesley Alfonzo Harrison, Shula Harrison and Claude Harrison—his mother-in-law, Mary F. Parham, father-in-law, Clinton Gray and his beloved grandson, De’Sean Harrison.
He leaves a legacy of love with his beautiful and devoted wife of sixty two years, Sylvia Christine Harrison; his children, Pricilla Givens, Glinda Allen (Vincent), Willie Michael Harrison, Vivian Harrison (Tammy), Simone Harrison, and Gloria Harrison-Brewster (Calvin). He is also survived by his grandchildren Lateefa, Natasha, Tonyetta, Marqui, Shatanna, Naomi, Jazmine, Calvin Jr., Brushanna, Sydney, and Olivia; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Emma Ruth Dean, Lizzie Mae Beard, and Effie Pearson; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
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There was a particular moment in my life when I was lost and my dad told me that he wanted his daughter back and that was enough to encourage me to get back on track. My dad has always been a silent motivator for me. May you rest in peace now dad.
To the Harrison family … I will be praying for y’all and expecting for my aunt Sylvia just holding to God he will give you the strength to do what he wants you to do so be strong for each other … I going to miss uncle Willie smile and his wisdom’s may God continue to blessed the Harrison family Love Jimmy and Aline 🙏🏾❤️❤️
I had Uncle Willie “Little-Man” Harrison as my uncle, the best uncle in the world.
A good, solid example of a family man whose arms opened wide enough for me to experience his love. He always showed me love and even took me along to Disney with his family for vacation. He didn’t have to do that but that was how he was. He cared enough to share and help create a moment I will never forget. As an uncle today, I’m hopeful I am able to be half the uncle he was. He was awesome, loving and will be greatly missed. Grateful to have had him in my life and thankful that he now can rest easy in the arms of our heavenly Father.
I love you Uncle. ❤️
To the Harrison Family 🙏🏾
My hearty-felt condolences to the family. I am at loss words for what you may be experiencing at this time. May God ease your pain and lift up the heavy burden that what meant to be given to him to bear. May you turn to Jesus for strength and comfort. May He give you hope to continue to face the days to come. You can depend on God. I will remember the times I spent with him growing up as a child and spending time with him again at Aunt Liz’s Birthday. I regret not being able to talk with him more than I had the opportunity to do so. But I’ll always remember that Uncle Willie Harrison’s smile that has left an imprint in my mind. He will be absent from the body, but not from our memories. May God lift your spirits up again and give you His peace. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
From Cynthia, His niece
🥲❤️🙏🏾
So sorry to hear about Little man, our prayers are with you Silvia and the Harrison family
Prayers for my family that God strengthens our family! God promised never to leave us and I trust God to do just what he said!
My Uncle looked so much like my dad his brother W A Harrison! I will never forget when my dad transition Uncle Willie and Aunt Sylvia came to visit us and stayed with us while we were going through the bereavement of my dad. As a 15 year old when dad passed, never forgot this and I will
Always have these memories of Aunt Sylvia cooking for us and have my mom a break!
Dear Sylvia, Gloria, and family,
I clearly see Willie’s smile and the sparkle in his eyes. I can’t imagine how deep and profound this loss is for you. May you find strength in your shared love and gratitude for all the ways that he shaped your lives.
Sending my love,
Monica
Daddy was and will always be my hero I used to wait up all night for my dad to come home from work to put me to bed cause I was scared of the dark and he did just that. I would always love to feel his comforting arms around me. Even as a adult he would always say something that would make you feel better or laugh even if the joke wasn’t that funny but it was just the fact that he cared. I miss your so much daddy😓😓❤️
Sister Sylvia Harrison and Children and Family
“To God Be The Glory” for All that He has Done and Will Continue to Bless Us All.
I want to Give You My Deepest and Heartfelt Condolences on the Passing of Deacon Willie Harrison and that the Almighty God We Serve give you Strength and Peace! I just can Imagine that Deacon Harrison and my Father, Deacon John Jakes are having a Good Time talking about those Good Old Days!
May Brother Harrison Rest In Heaven 🙏🏽.
The family is saddened to hear about the death of our family member. May the family find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and may the memories bring peace and strength in the days ahead. Our sincere condolences from the Wesley A, Settles Family.
In family’s are those that will curse you out in a minute, he didn’t do any of that. In family’s are those that will snap on you in a second, he didn’t do any of that. ln family’s are those that love to be out front, he didn’t do any of that. He used to call himself the littlest man in town but at heart he was one of the biggest, and he will truly be missed for who he was Little Man!
Now take your rest big brother in God!
Swag.
Sorry for the loss of Uncle Willie, sending thoughts and prayers to the entire Harrison family. Rest in peace.
LaPorchia and Peterson Philamar
My family and I hearts were saddened by the passing of our beloved friend, and former neighbor Mr. H. He and Mrs. H(as we referred to them as)were our next door neighbors for over 20 years in Virginia. When they relocated to Georgia, it was a tremendous loss for not only my family, but the neighborhood. Mr. H, was a great man. I remember when he taught my youngest daughter how to ride a bike. Whenever my husband wasn’t home Mr. H always looked out for my girls and I. Whether he was getting a frog out of my house, or giving one of my daughters a ride to school because they had missed the bus, or even sitting outside in their backyard for several hours just laughing(his smile could warm any cold heart). Family, I know this is a tough loss, but just know, he earned his wings. Remember, earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Forever grateful for our lives coming together. His memories will always be in our hearts.🧡🤲🏽👆🏽
Love Always
Jerry, Margo,
Jerria, and Jerkia
Turner
I have so many memories of my godparents from Boston to VA and GA. My most recent and fondest memory was just three months ago. I was able to share my birthday with him. He sung happy birthday and we shared cake together. As a matter of fact, he wanted two pieces. 😆 I hold on to the promise that our Gd is close to the broken hearted. Fam may His Shalom abide with us all.🙏🏾 🕊️ ❤️🩹 Forever in my heart, your goddaughter
John 14:1–4
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Rest in Power Uncle Willie.
Love from your niece,
Vaneice Straughter and her son, Justice Hampton
Uncle Willie Harrison You Will Surely Be Missed. I Love You.
Latonia C Cannady
Our sincerest Condolences to you all. Keeping you in our prayers. All our best, Giovanna Tripicchio Jennifer & Steven Little
To: cousin Sylvia,God bless you and your family.Lorenzo & Charlmagne Garrett
In loving memory of my cousin De’Sean may he and you Granddaddy rest in heaven.
Mr Harrison I had a short couple of weeks where I really got to know you while you and Mrs Harrison stayed with us. I loved your wit, you were such a funny guy you made me laugh. You were a joy to have around. You will be missed. Your home in peace now making others laugh. RIP !