Willie James Britt known to some as "Big Wiley" and to others "Big Britt," was born on June 30, 1945 to the late Dennis Britt and Willie Mae Risher Joppy in Reevesville, SC. He passed away on December 28, 2023 at Colleton Medical Center surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and sisters.

Willie attended Greenville School until it was moved to Oakvilla School in Reevesville then they closed and he graduated from Williams Memorial High School in 1963. After graduation, he went to live in New York and worked at GrayCon Cooperations until returning to South Carolina. He worked at the Port in Charleston, SC for a short period of time before starting at Gifford Hill Cement Plant (Blue Circle, LaFarge and currently Argo) in Harleyville, SC where he worked for 28 years until he stopped due to disability.

Willie was a member of Greenville United Methodist Church (currently New Grace United Methodist Church). While living in New York, he attended St. Mark UM Church. As a member of Greenville, Willie was a Trustee, on the Finance Committee, Male Chorus, United Methodist Men, and Sunday School Teacher. At New Grace, he was a member of the Merger Committee, Male Chorus and United Methodist Men.

Willie married his high school sweet heart, Gertie B. Carson, on December 29, 1965 and two children were born.  Over the years, they were foster parents and adoptive parents to many other children. He loved his Gert and they were two peas-in-a-pod. They were one day short of being married for 58 years.  He gave orders and expected her to follow. As the years went on, they were together so much that a routine was established and they kept to it daily (ask their granddaughter Camyra).

He loved to fish and hunt and talked about it often. In the community, Willie was a member of Grover Hunting Club, Wire Road Club and 60+ Organization.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Louistine Harrison and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Willie James is survived by his wife of the home, son, Byron Britt of St. George, and daughter, Davonna (Fredrick) Mergogey of Reevesville.  They also raised many others in the home, Alyise (Jonathan) Johnson of Virginia and Gregory Ray (Chereta D.C. Ray) of Army Reserve. Two sisters, Albertha Williams of New York and Carmen (George) Riley of New York. 10 grandchildren, Justin (Andrea) Wolfe, Aiken, SC; Bianca (Chris) White, Columbia, SC; Kadra Mergogey, Ladson, SC; Octavia Starkey, military; Breyona Britt of St. George, SC; Camyra Mergogey of Reevesville, SC; Jason (LaShonta) Martino and Joseph Martino both of West Ashley, SC; and Kelaney and Jonia Johnson of VA and 13 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Darnell Carson of New York and Alexander (Leah) Carson of Georgia; A special cousin/sister, Ruby G. Amaker, Reevesville, SC, Aunt, Mary Risher of Reevesville, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Many special thanks to Brenda Jamison (daughter), Howard Sanders, Glen Lemon, the staff at Davita Santee and many others that assisted during the latter years of his life.