James Willard Hargis, age 83, of Somerset, KY, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Rockcastle Regional Hospital.

Willard was born on August 1, 1938 in Somerset, KY to the late William Thomas Hargis and Zora Dykes Hargis.  He was a member of Hazeldell Church of Christ.  He retired from Southern Tire in 2000.  Willard loved farming and spending time with his family and friends.    

He is survived by two sons, Wes (and Sheila) Hargis of Science Hill and Mark (and Marcia) Hargis of Somerset; one son-in-law, Kenny Hamilton of Somerset; three sisters-in-law, Veanna Hash of Somerset, Nancy Hargis of Somerset and Sally Hargis of Springfield, OH; seven grandchildren, Brian Hargis, Jennifer Price, T.J. Hargis, Amber Reynolds, Casey Barnes, Kendra Hamilton and McKayla Hamilton; seven great-grandchildren, Aiden Hargis, Gracelynn Hargis, Allis Hargis, Abbinee Price, Bexleigh Price, Wyatt Reynolds and Forrest Barnes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and many friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Hargis, whom he married on January 7, 1961 in Somerset and she preceded him on April 24, 2019; one daughter, Sandy Hamilton; and four brothers, Lindsay Hargis, Curtis Hargis, Lester Hargis and Don Hargis; and three brothers-in-law, Jerry Hash, Junior Hash and Winford Hash; two sisters-in-law Clare Hargis and Lorene Hash; and his step-mother, Juanita Belle Yadon Hargis.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 11:00am at the Chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Ferlin Price officiating.  Burial will be at Hazeldell Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Allen Price, Brian Hargis, T.J. Hargis, Aiden Hargis, Josh Reynolds, Evan Barnes, Mike Broyles and Elvis McKenzie.