Willis Houston Needham

On July 25th, Willis Houston (Will or WH) Needham, Jr. passed after a long illness at his daughter’s home. Will, or WH as he was known to his family and friends in Thomasville, was a gentleman through and through. He adored his wife Rita, their family, and the life they made together. A man of his times, he was both down to earth and dapper. He loved good food, good company, and good music. But more than that, he was a empathetic and kind man who listened and offered thoughtful counsel.

Born December 5, 1931 in Ether, NC, he was the son of the late Willis Houston Needham, Sr. and Edna Lee Stutts Needham. There he learned the lessons of hard work as he helped his family grow tobacco as well as taking advantage of every educational opportunity available to him

He graduated from High Point College, now University, where he met his beloved wife Rita Jane Ward. They were married in September, 1957 and settled in Thomasville, NC’s Fair Grove Community. There they welcomed into the world their son Hugh Ashley Needham and Jane Harris Needham Day.

He was active in the community as a longtime member of the Fair Grove Lions Club as well as Heidelberg United Church of Christ, serving in many leadership roles.

During his working life he was a accountant in the textile industry including Adam’s Millis in High Point, NC, and later a partner in Suntex Corp, in Efland, NC, a small town in Orange County where he and Rita would eventually call home.

He is preceded in death by his wife Rita, son Hugh, sister Doris VanHoy, and brothers Leon and Donald. He is survived by his daughter Jane (Patrick) of Carrboro, NC, his granddaughters Jennifer Needham of Thomasville and Jolie (Deepanjan) of Carrboro; brother Bobby Needham (Vera) of Robbins, and sisters Linda Needham Brooks (John) of Winston-Salem, and Brenda Needham Whitley of Biscoe, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the UNC Hospice staff - Mandy, Tonia, Jada, and Tabitha - whose support and compassion for Will and his family are greatly appreciated.

No formal services are planned. Gifts in his memory may be made to UNC Hospice Fund (click link then select FUND SEARCH, enter Hospice)

Or, Heidelberg UCC at 118 Salem Street, Thomasville, NC 27360.