Willie Rivers, 89, of Williamsport, passed away Friday May 18 at Manor Care North in Williamsport. He was born October 15, 1928 in Erving, Georgia, the son of the late John Henry and Jessie Mae (Robinson) Rivers. Willie was raised in Erving, GA, and attended Clinch County Schools. He felt a great need for service, and joined the united States Army. Willie proudly served during the Korean Conflict Era, and after three years of military service received an honorable discharge. He then furthered his education at the Williamsport Technical Institute, now Pennsylvania College of Technology, where he majored in automotive mechanics in 1958.
Willie was the sole owner and operator of Willie Rivers Disposal for over 50 years, retiring in 2014. He loved the sanitation business and took great pride in servicing his clients. Willie retired from the City of Williamsport where he operated heavy equipment.
He was a long-time member of the IBPOE Lodge #207 and Masonic Lodge #26 of Williamsport. Willie enjoyed fishing, gardening and working in his garage. He also got the biggest smile in his last four years when his sister Bessie Mae danced in the door when visiting, and his brother Dr. Joseph Brown (Who he referred to as the businessman of the family) stopped by to spend quality time as he often did. Willie spent his last four years very close to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and children, telling stories of his military service, playing his guitar, and giving encouraging wisdom and words to live by. He received countless cards and pictures from the First Church Nursery School children, and visits at home and then at Manor Care from his long-time friends at the Kingdom Hall.
Mr. Rivers is survived by long-time companion M. Elaine Adams, three daughters: Pamela Tibbs (Howard) of NJ, Cheree Slater (George) of PA, and Debi Lee (Freddie) of PA; one son: Willie Jerome Ford; a sister: Bessie Mae Evans of GA; a brother: Dr. Joseph Brown of GA; a special niece: Merita Robinson of Georgia; a nephew: Patrick Eugene Adams of PA; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 50 years Virginia, and his brother Mack Brown.
In accordance with Willie’s wishes there will be a private service at his family’s discretion. Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation and Funeral Home 500 West 4th Street Williamsport, PA 17701. Donations in his name may be made to a charity of your choice. To share a memory or condolence please visit http://www.jamesmaneval.com.
