Mr. Willie Roy McCants was born December 24, 1940 In Chambers County, Alabama to the late Gabe and Rosie T. Bonner McCants. He transitioned into life eternal on March 12, 2011, at Vista Care in Columbus, Georgia.

He attended the Chambers County School System and graduated from Rehoboth High School in 1959. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in English and French from Alabama State University and taught in the Public School System of Montgomery, Lowndes County and Chambers County, Alabama. Later he worked as a supervisor for West Point, Pepperell, West Point, Georgia.

Willie Roy grew up in the Valley area and united with Community Baptist Church, he later united with Mount Hermon Baptist Church, Lanett, Alabama. He loved attending Sunday School and thought the world of his Sunday School teacher, Bro. Otis Higgins.

Mr. McCants served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He worked faithfully with various veteran organizations. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Past Worshipful Master of Shawmut Masonic Lodge #165, Lanett. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Grand Treasurer of the most Worshipful Olive Branch Grand Lodge, State of Alabama, F&AAYM. He also was the Past Grand Recorder of Khedive Grand Temple of Shriners, State of Alabama. He loved the brotherhood and touched many lives throughout the state of Alabama. He was friend to all of those who knew him and will be sorely missed. He was also a Notary Public for the State of Alabama.

Willie Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Betty McCants, three brothers, Willie H. McCants, Gabe McCants, Jr. and Elijah McCants.

He leaves to cherish his memories: One daughter, Cynthia (Rev. James) Core, Opelika, AL; three sons, Roy (Debra) McCants, Columbus, Ohio, Stanley R. McCants, Valley, AL and Warren (Pamela) McCants, Cusseta, AL; two brothers, Jesse L. (Heide) McCants, Chattanooga, TN, and John A (Maria) McCants, Sacramento, CA; two sisters, Mary E. McKinney, Detroit, MI and Rosetta McCants Avery, Valley, AL; one aunt, Geneva Carter, Lanett, AL; one sister-in-law; four brothers-in-law; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a devoted friend, Ruth Bedell, Opelika, AL; his lifelong friend and college roommate, Bro. Willie Varner, Columbus, GA; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.