Mr. Willie Hargrove

Willie James Hargrove passed peacefully from this life the afternoon of January 7, 2014. He was surrounded by his loving family and close friends during the last days of his life. Willie was born in Eatonton, Georgia, to the late Mack and Mary Lessie Hargrove. He was the second born of four children, and was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick D. Hargrove. Willie attended primary school in Putnam County, graduating from Eatonton Colored High School in 1951. Willie spent his career life serving his country as a soldier and a veteran. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and was stationed in several places in the United States, including California, Nevada, and Texas. His service time also included tours of duty in England, France, Germany, northern Africa, and Vietnam. Willie worked his way through the ranks, eventually being promoted to Master Sergeant. He retired from Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas, at this rank in June 1971. In 1972, Willie continued his service to his country through employment with the Veterans Administration Data Processing Center in Austin as a computer aid. After a successful career at VA as a telecommunications specialist, he retired in 1995. Upon returning to Eatonton for a visit, Willie sought out Plunella Bailey, a family friend. The couple married on June 17, 1972 in Eatonton and moved to Austin to begin their life together. Willie and Plunella welcomed their only child, Janell, into the world in December 1973. Although this new family had no immediate family members near them, the Hargroves established a strong network of friends who became their extended family. Willie faithfully served his community until his health would not allow him to do so. He was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where he participated in Wesley United Methodist Men, the usher board, the steward board, and the 55+ Club. Willie was most known for his work as a Life Member of the Lions Club International. He was a local member of the Capital City Lions Club and the North Austin Lions Club, holding leadership roles at both the local and district levels such as North Austin Lions Club President, Region 1 Chair, Zone Chair, Leader Dog, Guiding Lion, and member of the District 2-S3 Governor's Cabinet. Willie received several honors and awards as the result of his hard work and devotion to the mission of the Lions Club, including the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the Silver Spur, and the Golden Spur. Willie was a jovial person who loved to tease others and candidly said what was on his mind. His close family and friends admired his vivid memory for historical facts and events. Moreover, Willie read both the Austin American Statesman and the USA Today on a daily basis. Willie is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Plunella; daughter, Janell Hargrove Brooks of Conyers, GA; son-in-law, A. Eugene Brooks III of Conyers, GA; two granddaughters, Hailey and Allison Brooks of Conyers, GA; sister, Mary Simmons of Austin, TX; and brother, Louis Hargrove of Georgia. He also leaves behind exceptionally loyal family members: sister-in-laws, Sonja Hargrove of Eatonton, GA, Leila Mitchell of Hephazibah, GA, Annie Foster of Macon, GA; brother-in-law, Torris Bailey (Ellen) of Tucker, GA; niece, C. LaFaye Hargrove (Clarence Williams) of Evans, GA; nephew, Carlton Hargrove of Eatonton, GA; and special cousins, Vonia Harris-Pitts of Jonesboro, GA, Harry Hargrove (Yvonne) of Napa, CA, and Charlie (CW) Dorsey of Eatonton, GA. A host of other family and friends also remain to cherish memories of Willie.