Willie Theopolis Harshaw

Willie Theopolis Harshaw

“A humble and independent soul”

Willie T. Harshaw, 98, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away, Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, East Moline.  Dr. Donald Johnson will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services.  Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moline.   Memorials may be made to the great-grandchildren.    

The third child born to Edmon Harshaw and Selma Griffin, February 8,1926 in Memphis Tennessee. At an early age his father carried the family to live with his grandmother, who raised them in Palestine, Arkansas. His early religious teaching was in the home. Willie accepted Christ in Palestine, Arkansas.

In 1949 he migrated to East Moline, IL and began work as a foreman for the Rock Island Railroad here in Silvis. Willie believed in the gentlemen’s code of courtship and that he did with the beautiful Mattie L. Johnson of Paducah, Kentucky. They married on August 1, 1953. The treasure of love they shared lasted 46 years - thus never ending even upon Mattie’s passing. To this union an incredibly special son came, Donald F. Harshaw. Willie was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Willie knew how to work hard and play harder. He enjoyed gaming, fishing, and golf. All at which he was exceptionally good. The simplicity and willingness to help any and everybody he could was part of his character that endeared him with those whom he had daily contact with.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories his son, Donald F. (Olie) Harshaw, Aurora, Illinois; granddaughters, Shavon S. Harshaw of Naperville, Illinois and Simone S. Harshaw of Lombard, Illinois; grandson Donald F. (Ruhma) Harshaw of Delaware. Great grandchildren Daylen-Jordan, Lola Nina, Dawson-James, and Damien Mohammed. Nephews Dr. Donald William “Donnie” (Rhonda) Johnson, Keith R. Foreman, and Anthony (Rebecca) Foree; nieces Dorothy Ann McGee and Patricia S. Boyd, and a host of friends. Willie was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Edna Germon and Gracy A. Harshaw and his wife Mattie.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Theopolis Harshaw, please visit our floral store.