Mr. Willie W. (JUNIOR) Bristow, Jr.

It is with heartfelt sorrow that the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. announces the transition for Mr. Willie W. "Junior" Bristow, Jr. of Darlington. Mr. Bristow transitioned peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2020 in a Florence medical center. 

Due to Covid-19, the family will not have any visitation and funeral services will be private. Public viewing will be 12 Noon to 5:00PM on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in the Chapel.  Private graveside services were held at 11:00 AM Friday, May 22, 2020 at Faith Memorial Gardens.  Interment followed. 

~Obituary~

    Mr. Willie West Bristow, Jr. was born in Darlington, SC on January 29, 1924 a son of the late Willie West Bristow, Sr. and Juanita Scott Bristow.  He departed this life on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, SC.

     He received his formal education in the Darlington County Public Schools. 

     In December 27, 1942 he was enlisted in the United States Army serving in World War II where he received the Victory Medal Decoration. He served until November 7, 1945.  Six years later, July 12, 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he received the National Defense Service Medal – Good Conduct Medal. He served until July 11, 1955. Mr. Willie West Bristow, Jr. was Honorably Discharged from both Military units.

    Willie was united in holy matrimony to the late Anna Jenerette Bristow; although this union was not blessed with children it was blessed with many surrogate children who loved and adored them.

      He was a lifetime member of St. James United Methodist Church where he served as a member of the Trustee Board, the United Methodist Men, Finance committee, member of the Stewardship, Council on Ministry and any other capacities as needed.

     Mr. Bristow was one of the people who establish the REACT Team Organization in Darlington.  This organization was responsible for assisting Darlington County Law Enforcement Officers and the Fire and Rescue Department during any emergencies.  The REACT Team was equipped with Citizen Band Radios and when they heard the call, the team would put on their REACT jackets and hats and control traffic or whatever was needed during that time. Willie W. Bristow, Jr. assisted with every call.

      He was a member of the Friendship Masonic Lodge #17 and a member of the American Legion Post #210.

     Around Darlington, Junior Bristow was known for his tall statue and driving that black Cadillac and yellow truck.  Mr. Bristow was employed for over 65 years in the funeral profession. First at Jordan Funeral Home and later at Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc. where he retired. He took his roles very serious and he LOVED what he did and he did it well.  Willie W. Bristow, Jr. was a distinguished, dependable and lovable person.

      Survivors:  his special nephews and nieces: Chuck (Sharon) Miles and Weldon (Virginia) Miles both of Darlington, SC;  Marguerite (Randall, deceased) Miles of Darlington, SC, Alfred Richardson, Cornell Richardson, Jr., Ivy Richardson and Mark Richardson; grandnieces and nephews: Lamantha (Curtley) Anthony, Maranda Leigh (Ryan) Dowtin, Abrianna Miles, Cameron Miles, Christian Miles, Erika, Daphne and Quentin; great grandnieces: Leila, Crystal, Chelsea and Destiny Grace; his St. James United Methodist Church Family; his Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home Family.

     He was preceded in death in addition of his parents; his sister, Bernetha Bristow Miles; his nephews: Bernard Miles and Randall Miles.

     “Six years after a major Pandemic, Willie W. Bristow, Jr. was born.  Almost a century later during another major Pandemic, the Lord called Willie W. Bristow, Jr. home. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Willie W. (JUNIOR) Bristow, Jr., please visit our floral store.