Willie Coney

Mr. Willie Coney, age 72, passed away on September 10, 2026, following a short illness at Pruitt Bethany nursing facility in Millen, Georgia. During his final days, he was under the compassionate care of Pruitt Hospice.

Willie was born to Rose Coney Harris and Wurley Terry. He attended school in Homestead, Fla., and throughout his life developed a warm and easygoing personality that made him a joy to be around.

Willie was a very chilled, humble, and down-to-earth man who enjoyed life and believed in having a good time. He loved to dance, laugh, and enjoy the company of those around him. His relaxed spirit and love for life were a special part of who he was. Above all, Willie loved his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren held a very special place in his heart, and the love he had for them was evident throughout his life.

Willie was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member and sang in the choir until his health failed. His love for fellowship and community was also reflected through his involvement as a member of the Healing Community Outreach Program.

Willie was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy Bell and Theotis Arthur.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Desianne Washington Coney; his children, Shawn Harris, wife Loretta; Kaywonna Roberts; Willie Coney; and Rose Wallace, all of Statesboro.

His grandchildren are Chireka Reese, Chirika F. Reese, King S. Wilson, Ja’Mesiah E. Wilson, Tazmerria M. McGahee, Semaj N. Gandi, Ty’Sauni D. Atkinson, Ty’Kerriona S. Atkinson, Moenajah D. Hiland, Deshawn Harris, Imyrien Tippins, Sammeria Knight, Nishay Roberts, Kheem Hudson, Adreion Roberts, Damir Calhoun, Korrie McClain, Josiahn Coney, Wyatt Coney, Za’Myah Coney, Shaniya Wallace, Sereniti Wallace, and Tomaray Wallace.

His great-grandchildren are Sir-Tatum Y. Atkinson, Su’Rai Gandi, and Sur’Ai A. Gandi.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his sisters, Marcella Sweeting of Metter, Ga., and Lisa Glover of Orlando, Fla.; his aunts, Queen Jamison and Josie Smith of Miami, Fla.; and his uncles, Leo Coney of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Maynard Terry of McDonough, Ga.

Willie was blessed with lifelong friendships that remained meaningful throughout his journey. Among those special friends were Lawrence Lipsey, Leroy Jones Sr., Wilbur Martin, Shedwick Dean, and Lev Cotton.

He is also survived by a host of other family and friends who will forever remember his humble spirit, his love of family, his enjoyment of a good time, and the many memories they were blessed to share with him.

Though his earthly journey has ended, the music, laughter, love, and memories Willie shared will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His family will remember him not simply for the years he lived, but for the love he gave, the good times he enjoyed, and the quiet, humble way he walked through life.

Public viewing for Mr. Willie Coney will be held from 2:00PM to 5:00PM on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The family will receive visitors for the family visitation from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at the funeral home.

Funeral services to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Coney will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 11:00AM at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 6790 Kennedy Bridge Rd, Register, GA 30452 with Rev. Gregory Thomas, Pastor/Officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Please keep the Coney family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.

Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements.

Family and friends may sign the online register book, express online condolences, send flowers or other memorial gifts via our website.