William Harper

I still remember being 16, working at Home Entertainment, thinking I had the world figured out. But looking back, what really made those days special wasn't the job or the paychecks. It was Big Will. Big Will wasn’t just a friend. He was the friend. After work, I’d head to his house like clockwork. We'd smoke, play video games, vibe out to music, and just be. It didn’t matter what kind of day I had. His place always felt like home. His presence and his energy made everything easier. We called ourselves Big Will and Big Phil, and we were rolling heavy. Literally. We’d ride around in that beat-up, taped-up Geo Prizm with the trunk rattling like it was gonna fall off and damn near dragging the ground from the weight of us. No AC, no luxury, just good music, good vibes, and us cracking up the whole way. We didn’t need much back then. Just each other, some gas in the tank, and a night to waste. He was soft spoken, always kind, and the kind of guy who never needed the spotlight to be the center of attention. He had this way of making you feel seen, heard, and understood. When you needed an encouraging word, Will had your back. When you needed help, he showed up. No drama, no excuses. Just Big Will being Big Will. His cookouts were legendary. We’d kick it with a bunch of people, food on the grill, games going, music flowing. But even in all the chaos of those nights, Will was still the anchor. Calm, steady, and cool as ever. That was him. I really thought we’d always have each other. That’s what hurts the most. I hate that I didn’t get to see him again before he left this world. I hate that I didn’t get to tell him how much he meant to me one more time. But I know he knew. He knew who he was, and I believe deep down he knew how much love surrounded him. I miss you, Big Will. I miss the late nights, the jokes, the rides in that busted Prizm, the way you made life feel simple and good. I’ll carry all those memories with me. The cookouts, the music, the games, the laughter. And I’ll hold onto the hope that I’ll see you again one day. Rest easy, brother. You were one of a kind. And you’ll always be with me.

Sorry for your families loss! Good childhood memories of all of us living across the street from each other in Wake Village.

William was my buddy for as long as I can remember. I met him through his mother and as a young girl probably somewhere around 8 years old. Though we moved away from Texas just some short years later our families remained friends and somewhat kept in touch. Many years later we still stayed in contact thanks to Facebook and Social media. Willam always shared a laugh with me or a smart aleck comment on something I would post. He was and will forever be remembered and be a friend of mine! Love you buddy!

I will never forget the day I met him .. I was helping a friend move into her house and here he came to help ... Had us laughing all day ... He would always look at me and say packed 3 deep in the back of a U-Haul ... He was a absolutely blast to be around and talked me through some pretty tough times .. I will forever cherish him and the way he cared about me !! Rest up babe I love you !!!!