Willis Joshua Hargrave, Jr.

Willis Joshua Hargrave, Jr., son of Willis J. Hargrave, Sr. And Annie Belle (Gage) Hargrave, was born in Houston, TX on August 26, 1935 and passed away in Houston, TX on December 10, 2024. 
He is preceded in death by his parents; his precious infant daughter Dana Renee’ Hargrave; and siblings: Helen Brumley, Jimmie Hargrave, Patricia Courson, Judy Parks, and David Joe Hargrave.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Dana G. (Aysien) Hargrave of Alto, TX; daughter Suzanne R. Hill (Christy Bizzell) of Spring, TX; and son Willis Joshua Hargrave, III (Catherine) of Houston, TX; 5 grandchildren (The Eagle 5): Renee’ (Hill) Olsen (Erik) of Tallahassee, FL; Danton Joshua Hill of New York, NY; Tyler Hargrave of Ft. Worth, TX; William Grant Hargrave (Meaghan) of Katy, TX; Harrison Hargrave (Kelly) of Katy, TX; and 11 great grandchildren: Joshua, Bethany, Sofia, Archer and Abigail Olsen of Tallahassee, FL, Pierce Hargrave of Ft. Worth, TX, Gavin, Beckham, and Zoey Hargrave of Katy, TX, and George and Jack Hargrave of Katy, TX; sister-in-law Margaret Hargrave (Jimmie) of Alto, TX; brother-in-law and sister-in-law John J. and Delia (Dee) Felchak of Cedar Park, TX , and numerous nieces and nephews.
Willis Hargrave was a lifelong learner, a committed husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a community leader and visionary. Willis graduated from Humble High School in 1953, where he excelled in athletics. The path to the future would have not been possible without the love of his life, his high school sweetheart Dana whom he married in 1954.  It was off to the races; they settled in Houston and started a family with Willis working as a draftsman for Tennessee Gas. Babies, ambition and an incredible work ethic drove Willis back to school. He graduated from the University of Texas-Austin in Insurance studies. He was a proud Longhorn. Later his quest for knowledge and growth compelled him to complete a graduate degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. With a sharp mind for business, an incredible work ethic and a strong belief in loyalty and service Willis built Harco Insurance Services. He and his loyal staff proudly served the insurance needs of his community. He was President of the Houston Professional Insurance Association, President of Professional Insurance Association of Texas, as well as, President of the National Professional Insurance Association. 
In 2000, Willis and Dana started their next chapter... Eagle 5 Cattle Company, on Sugar Hill Ranch, named for his 5 grandchildren.  Willis loved all things ranching: cows, grass, land, tractors and fence lines.  His drive to do things right steered him to Texas A&M where he received appropriate teasing for his longhorn class ring. The Sugar Hill Ranch grew and prospered under his mindful direction. Harco Insurance Services and Sugar Hill Ranch were his passion, however his wife Dana, his kids and grandkids were his legacy.  He provided for them in so many ways.  They will cherish his stories, wisdom and love. 
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for all the love and care extended to Dad and family during his brief illness. This includes the staff and doctors at Nacogdoches Medical Center, Encompass Rehab- Vintage, The Broadmoor at Creekside, Solana- Vintage Park, Methodist- Willowbrook 6th floor west, and Heart 2 Heart Hospice. With special thanks to his caregivers: Shelly Miller, Ursula Riston, Michelle Martinez, and Niecy Allen.
A family visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 at O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home, Alto, TX from 4-7 p.m.
Services will be at A. Frank Smith Methodist Church, Alto, TX on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Old Palestine Cemetery, Alto, TX.
Pallbearers: Willis J. (Josh) Hargrave, III, Danton Joshua Hill, Joseph “Tyler” Hargrave, William “Grant” Hargrave, Harrison Ratliff Hargrave, Erik Christer Olsen.
Honorary Pallbearers: Frank Campagna, Donnie Cates, Gene Havard, Ronnie Perriraz
A Celebration of Life in Houston will be scheduled soon.
Services will be streamed on Facebook. Search for A. Frank Smith Methodist Church, Alto, TX.
Memorials may be made to A. Frank Smith Methodist Church Children’s Ministry.