Justis Nelson "Jn" Willcox

Born in his beloved home place 'La Valle' in Brinkleyville, Halifax County, NC on February 6, 1930, Justis Nelson "JN" was the son of the late Albert Gee Willcox, Sr. and Pauline Bethea Willcox. He was preceded in death by his wife, the absolute love of his life, Corrinne Congleton Willcox. He was also preceded by his five siblings: brothers, Albert Gee "A.G" Willcox Jr. and William Graham Willcox; and sisters, Ann Willcox Rawls, Mason Willcox Kruger, and Mary Ruth Willcox Coss.
JN is survived by his five children: Jan Willcox Raynor (Jim) of Raleigh, Jaye Willcox Biggs (James) of Morehead City, Dianne Willcox Bulluck (Trey) of Littleton, John Albert Willcox (Karla) of Rocky Mount, and Ami Willcox Derham (Mark) of Wilmington. His legacy continues with 11 grandchildren: James Elliot Thomas, Ryan Nelson Thomas, Nathan Willcox Thomas, Allison Willcox Tolston, Casey Corrinne Macanka, Carly Mason Raynor, Morgan Willcox Collins, Erin Elizabeth Williams, Paige Hudson Raynor, Emily Bethea Raynor, and Alexander McKeithan Biggs. Among his biggest bragging points were also seven great-grandchildren, Daxton, Adelaide, Charles, Corrinne, Marissa, Katherine, and Bowen.
JN grew up at the family homeplace, working on the farm until he graduated from Aurelian Springs School in 1948. He went on to Chowan College and played several years of basketball while also participating in the Glee Club. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the US Army in 1952 and soon shipped out to Korea to be on the front lines. He quickly rose through the ranks of the 8th Army 7th Infantry Division and returned home as a Master Sergeant.
He married the love of his life, Corrinne, in May of 1957. By the following year, they had begun their family - "we never had one" with the twins. In 1959 JN and Corrinne joined Lakeside Baptist Church and became wonderfully active participants in every facet of church life, but especially in music. He was a staple of the tenor section until 2020, when COVID and failing health prevented him from joining in.
JN faithfully loved his community. He was a three-time President of the Rocky Mount Civitan Club and served more than 40 years - many of his grandchildren remember the "candy rides" he would take to refill the donation tubs at local businesses and restaurants. Through Civitan he was able to help establish a scholarship foundation still in effect today with Nash Community College. In 1968, he founded the SPEBSQSA Rocky Mount Chapter of Barber Shop, where he and other men sang and competed for many years. He proudly boasted about "his ship", the USS North Carolina, where he was appointed to the Commission by Gov. James Hunt and served for eight years. As a highly involved father, JN helped to implement the Rocky Mount Senior High Band Booster Club and often traveled with his kids (and many others) on band trips for performances and competitions.
In 1965 he started working as a Group Sales Consultant for Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance until his retirement in 1995. He then went on to be a shuttle driver at Don Bulluck Chevrolet, combining his love of driving, working, and mostly talking into a one catch-all position.
Through his love of travel, his sales job and his shuttle job, he learned every back road and highway in many states and was always ready to road trip to the next adventure.
JN was well known for his infectious zest for life. He encouraged both his children and his grandchildren to approach each and every day with a positive attitude, and to seize every opportunity that came their way. He always had a funny story to tell or a sharp witted response or a joke. His goal with every interaction was to make someone smile.
While the family are all grieving, we can still hear the heavens bursting with laughter as JN makes his presence known. Our hearts rejoice and take comfort in knowing JN and Corrinne are once again dancing cheek to cheek.
A Celebration of JN's life will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Visitation will follow service in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building. A Private Inurnment Service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in JN's memory to Lakeside Baptist Church Music Program, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC, in Corrinne's honor.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.