Willie Poe

Willie Poe, age 83 of Pittsboro, NC, peacefully departed this life on July 31, 2026, at his home.

The Obituary

Willie Junior Poe was born on November 1, 1942, in Durham County, North Carolina, and departed this life on Friday, July 31, 2026, at home with his loving wife by his bedside at the age of 83.

Willie was the son of the late James and Glennie Dowdy Poe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four brothers, Melvin Poe, Freeman Poe, Charles McCormick, and Curtis McCormick.

At an early age, Willie accepted Christ as his Savior and attended Saint Mark Holiness Church in Sanford, North Carolina.

He attended W.B. Wicker High School and graduated in 1963. After graduation, he traveled to New York to visit relatives. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to make it his home, settling in Hempstead, New York. He was employed with Long Island Lighting as a Lineman Supervisor until he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Paulette, and relocated to Pittsboro, North Carolina. He then began working for Apex Utilities, where he remained until his retirement in 2006.

In 1992, Willie joined Ward Memorial Church, where he faithfully served as a member of the Men’s Choir, an ordained Deacon, and Deacon over Outreach until his health began to fail.

Willie had such a gentle and humble spirit. He had a true heart for outreach and took his calling seriously. He was compassionate and caring toward everyone he met. He loved the Lord and demonstrated that love through his daily walk.

In his spare time, Willie enjoyed watching television, loved the sport of boxing, and was a die-hard New York Yankees fan.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Paulette; his stepson, Kevin, and his special friend, Cherrelle, of the home; his sisters-in-law, Bobbie Harris of Sanford, North Carolina, Linda Harris of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Joan McCormick of Johnsonville, North Carolina, and Shirley Lindsey of Sanford, North Carolina; his brother-in-law, Larry Harris (Shirley Harris); his godchildren, Rae Chasten of Apex, North Carolina, Gracye Biggs of Durham, North Carolina, and Marlo Toomer of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; and his special friends, Deacon Ted Toomer and Deaconess Janice Toomer.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Cherrelle for her medical knowledge, guidance, and support while working alongside Paulette and Willie’s nurse to help care for him during his illness.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Tracy with Amedisys Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness she provided to Willie and the family during his final days. Her unwavering support, gentle spirit, and dedicated service brought comfort during a difficult time and will always be remembered with sincere gratitude.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Pittsboro, NC