Willie Edd Harbison, Jr. was born in Crossett, Arkansas on January 15, 1930.

Willie was a graduate from T.W Daniels high school in 1948. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1955. He was honorably discharged with the following: National Defense Service medal, Navy Occupation Service medal, Good Conduct Service medal, and the Korean Campaign Service medal.

After his time in the navy, Willie furthered his education by getting a B.S. degree in per- medicine at the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff from 1955 – 1959. A year later in 1960, Willie studied and graduated with Biology and Invertebrate Zoology from Michigan State University. He then spent the next 30 years working for the Health Department in Lansing, MI in the department of Virology, where he was the first to identify the A2 Hong Kong flu and influenza 2A virus.

Outside of work, Willie was known to be active in sports. Softball and bowling were his favorite past times. He coached for the First Baptist Church team from 1965 -1968.

After many years of retirement, from sports and work, Willies health declined. Willie never complained about his health. He continued his fight for life and love for others until the Lord called him home. Willie became an Angel in Heaven on February 26, 2019.

Willie was processed in death by: his father, Willie Edd, Sr.; mother, Mattie; and his brother, Frankie Lee.

Willie is survived by: daughter, Rachelle (Jim) Harbison; son, Michel; son, Dean; son, Anthony (Samantha) Harbison; and grandchildren, Katie, Alex, Michel, and Brian Combs.