Harold George Willis

THE APPETIZER

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms;  if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare  a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

                                                                                                                                                              John 14:1-3

During the evening of Monday, January 16, 2023, at Self Regional Hospital, Harold George Willis peacefully transitioned from his earthly home safely in the arms of Jesus to his enteral resting place.

Harold, affectionately called “Francis” was born on April 19, 1952, to the late Jabez and Icylin Flowers Willis in the small rural district of Berry Hill located in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica in the West Indies. He was the fourth child of seven, and the first-born son. A sister Veronica preceded him in death.

At the age of eighteen years old, Harold entered a farm work program in the United States which allowed him to work for six months out of the year then return to Jamaica. During one of his many trips to the United States to work, Harold decided he would not return to Jamaica afraid that he may not have the opportunity to return to the United States. He set off on his own and began working many odd jobs all while still providing for his family until he was able to legally become a citizen of the United States.

THE SOUP

Harold attended Westchester Community College where he studied culinary arts. After graduating from the program, he attained a job as a chef at Ruth Taylor Geriatric Nursing Home at Westchester County, New York where he worked for 35 years until his retirement.

Harold met and fell in love with Lela V. Adams who he called his “Pumpkin” while working at Ruth Taylor Nursing Home. They later married and cherished 42 years of memories until she proceeded him in his transition on June 5, 2021.

After retirement, Harold and Lela found a home in Plum Branch, South Carolina. He reentered the workforce and began working at Tara Club at Savannah Lakes, McCormick South Carolina for several years as a Chef before deciding to retire permanently. He also attended Cedar Springs Baptist Church until his death.

Harold was an amazing cook; it was one of his greatest passions. He could cook anything, and it would taste delicious. He loved his music, his Bible, being outdoors, his animals (his cat Pepsi, goats, and chickens) and helping anyone in need. Harold was also full of advice and the greatest advice he would give is to not worry about things that you cannot control and to leave it in God’s hands.

THE ENTREE’

He is survived by his daughter, Antionette Dyce, two grandchildren, Jaden and Jalani Dyce;  four sisters, Nerissa (Harry) McClean, Deloris Cambell (Sweet), Coreen Rohdn, Vera Frances; and his one and only brother, Wilbert Willis of McCormick, SC; three brothers-in-law, and seven sisters-in-law, Mr. James Willie (Jessie Mae), Mr. Hodges L. (Eula Mae) Adams, Mr. Walter Jennings, Mrs. Dollie (David) Holloway, Mrs. Frances Leverett, Mrs. Bernice Wiggleton, Mrs. Thelma (Sylvanis) Thompson, Mrs. Cornelia (Ervin) Talbert, Mrs. Effie (Dwayne) Brown, Mrs. Delorise Robertson, and Mrs. Doretha Adams. There are a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins left to cherish his memory all of which were dear and special to him. A special niece, Erica Thompson, who always made it a point to spend time with him during her visits to the Carolinas.

“Mr. Willis” or “Uncle Francis” as he was known by many was a very loving and caring person. He established many friendships over the years and was a father figure to many. One of those close friends, Mr. Reggie Turman whom he took under his wings. Thank you for being a great father, brother, husband, uncle, and friend. You will be missed by many.

“Francis and his “Pumpkin” are finally together again.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold George Willis, please visit our floral store.