Harold Russell Willis

Harold Russell Willis, 87, of Newbern, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 7, 1938, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Marvin Franklin Willis and Martha Evelyn Barker Willis.

For fifteen years, Harold served as the General Manager of Forked Deer Electric, where his leadership and dedication left a lasting impact. Before becoming General Manager, he served on the Board of Directors for forty-five years and retired in January 2015.

A lifelong member of Glendale Church of Christ, he faithfully served as a Deacon and Song Leader, sharing his love of music and faith with his community.

Harold was known for his humor and playful spirit-he loved to aggravate, joke, and never met a stranger. He was devoted to his family and cherished every moment spent with them. A man of many interests, he was known to be a bit of a trader, was a pilot who enjoyed flying, and farming was always an important part of his life.

Funeral services for Mr. Willis will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home, with Mr. Serge Shoemaker officiating. Interment will follow at Zion Cemetery in the Cloverdale Community. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

Harold leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Delta Kae Willis of Newbern, Tennessee and Martha M. Willis of Newbern, Tennessee; one sister, Shirley Walker of Newbern, Tennessee; daughter-in-law, Alisa Tabor Willis of Newbern, Tennessee. His caregiver who he considered as family, J. J. Burns of Newbern, Tennessee. He was lovingly known as "Pop" to his grandchildren: Kelli Renee Willis, Russell Franklin Willis, Emily Kate Hall (Nick), John Tyler Willis (Kristi) and great-grandchildren Landon Tabor Willis, Kallie Mai Willis, Tabor Hall, Cutler Hall, Anne Tyler Willis, Eliza Willis, and Ruby Willis.

In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Betty Sue Seaton Willis; his son, Tony Russell Willis; two sisters, Oneita Underwood and Mary Dean Noble and two brothers-in-law, Houston Underwood and Bobby Walker.

Honoring Mr. Willis as pallbearers will be Mike Underwood, Rufus Noble, Paige Underwood, T.J. Van Dyke, Farron Stewart, and Logan Lambert.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Harold Russell Willis.