Willie Ray Justice, 86, died November 4, 2023 at his home in Jacksonville, NC. Visitation will be held at Jones Funeral Home on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 from 6pm - 8pm and funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at 11am at the Jones Funeral Home Jacksonville Chapel, with Pastors Phillip Shepard and Preston Wells officiating. Burial will be at the Justice Family Cemetery on Gould Road.

Willie was born on the family farm in Jacksonville, NC in 1936 and was the youngest of 10 children born to Roy and Millie Justice. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Benita Splawn Justice, their first-born son, Johnny Ray, as well as his parents, brothers Leon, Cyrus and Roy, Jr. and his sisters Ella, Frances, Thelma, Grace, Minnie and Faye.

He met and married his wife Benita while stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, serving in the Army in the 1950s. After graduating from the Dallas Institute-Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science, he and Benita made their first home in Waurika, Oklahoma, where their oldest daughter Barbara was born. In 1962, they moved back to Jacksonville and Willie went to work at Jones Funeral Home, where he worked as a funeral director until his retirement in 2011.

Willie and Benita made their home in the Southwest community of Jacksonville for over 60 years. Willie always supported his family and community unconditionally and his work and talent touched the lives of many. He and his family ran Southwest Service Station from 1970-1979 and managed Justice Farms where they grew produce, blueberries and Christmas trees. He and Benita were founding members of the Southwest High School Athletic Boosters and in the early days of the program served as officers, joining other founding members to raise money to pay for the football stadium while spending many years working the concession stands, chaperoning school dances, and serving on the SWHS Advisory Board.

He was a long-time member of the Southwest Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Chief for part of his years of service to the department. He was elected to the Onslow County Soil and Water Conservation District Board where he served for 25 years and in 2016, he was awarded the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service to Agriculture Award for his lifetime of dedication to agriculture.  He was an active member of the Eastern North Carolina Christmas Tree Growers Association, Woodman of the World and the Southwest Meadowview Community Club.

Willie was a friend to so many and his greatest joy was in helping others. Always up for a laugh, he loved playing little pranks, the Sunday comics (especially Peanuts) and collecting every dancing toy he came across. He loved farming and nature, learning how things worked, fishing and the coast, and he never turned down a bowl of ice cream no matter the hour. He believed in the value of hard work, even if he sometimes ended up working harder, while trying to work smarter. Most importantly, he taught us that doing the right thing always pays off in the end and that family doesn't only mean those you are related to by blood. This legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched with his compassion and generosity.

He is survived by his children: Barbara Justice-Rooks and Tony Rooks of Jacksonville; Charles and Sharon Justice of Greenville; and Carolyn Justice-Hinson and Paul Hinson of Fayetteville. His Grandchildren: Brent Justice, Stacy and Caroline Rooks, Becky Rooks, Nick Hinson, Andi and Jason Workman, Ivy Hinson and Dylan Justice. Great grandsons: Will, Charlie and Gray Rooks, Aidan Justice and Calvin Workman. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors who, over the years, he loved like family - welcoming them with a visit on the porch, a cold Pepsi, wisdom, and friendship (and maybe a little bit of hard work).

The family would like to thank 3HC Home Health and Hospice as well as Visiting Angels staff for the care and comfort they have provided. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you choose one of the following deserving organizations to contribute to: Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, Southwest High School Athletic Boosters, Southwest Volunteer Fire Department or to your local 4-H or FFA program.