Mr. Harry Rousseau

Obituary For Mr. Harry Rousseau

Harry Rousseau was born February 18, 1948 to the late Lucinda Thornton and the late Will Henry Rousseau. He was granted entry to God's Kingdom on January 15, 2022. Growing up, Harry enjoyed running errands for his late grandfather, Joe Thornton, and taking trips to Atlanta—even if it meant riding his bike there. He played football and ran track as a high school athlete until graduating with the 1966 Senior class of Drake High School. He joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduation and earned the rank of Sergeant while touring Germany and fighting in the Vietnam War. Upon his return home, he met his best friend and the love of his life, Johnnice Willis. The two married December 5, 1969 and shared 4 children: Janet Willis-Stewart, Ronald Willis, and Roderick and Rodney Rousseau (both of whom preceded him in death). He and his family would establish roots in Decatur, GA; and Harry would begin a career with Norfolk Southern Railroad until his retirement in 1993. Family was Harry's priority. He took pleasure in witnessing his children and grandchildren become self-sufficient adults but assured them that Daddy was always there. Through jokes, laughter, song and dance, and stories of his childhood, he imparted wisdom and provided guidance. He was always available to provide a listening ear, even if he had to take a break from watching his favorite news channels or the cowboy picture he and his best friend were watching. Harry had long accepted the Lord as his Savior and leaned on His Word as the patriarch of his family. He made The Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church his church home upon his return to Thomaston, GA. Harry came into this world with a purpose. While on his mission, he saved lives, changed worlds, and went above and beyond to help anyone he could. We are forever grateful to have been a part of his journey and to have had him as a part of ours. Harry was preceded in death by a sister, Josephine Marks; three brothers, Willie Rousseau, Kenneth Character, and Walter Character, Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Walter Clayte Willis. Left to cherish his memory and keep his legacy alive are his beautiful wife of 52 years, Johnnice Willis; two surviving children, Janet (Jarvis) Willis-Stewart and Ronald (Deatrice) Willis of Covington, GA; twelve surviving grandchildren, including three he raised as his own, Shakeena Watkins of Atlanta, GA, Brodrick (Jessica) Walker of Acworth, GA, and Brandon Watkins (preceded in death); twelve great-grandchildren; five siblings, Denise Traylor and George Carriker of Thomaston, GA; Johnny Lamar Character and Darien Character of Atlanta, GA, and Wallace Character of Junction City, GA; one aunt, Lorrene Thornton; three sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Lonnell) Blackmon, Faye Elaine (Kenneth) Gore, and Martha Willis, all of Thomaston, GA; three brothers-in-law James Allen Willis of Macon, GA, Harold Charles Willis of Atlanta, GA, and Timothy Davis of Thomaston, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Harry is greatly loved, and his presence is sorely missed. Graveside Services were held Saturday, January 22, 2022 1:00 P.M. Lincoln Memorial Cemetery