Willie "Maine" Eiland

May 31, 1943 - April 4, 2022

Willie “Maine” Eiland was born Monday, May 31, 1943, in Indianola, Mississippi to the late Archie and Emma Eiland. He was the fifth of nine children born to this union. Willie received his formal education in the Leland, Mississippi Public School System and additional training at the Ford Motor Company in Houston, Texas. In 1966, Willie was united in marriage to the love-of-his-life, the former Bobbye Jean Washington, and they later made Harrisburg, Pennsylvania their home. Their union was blessed with four children, Paula, Sopheria, Willie Jr. and Michael. During his working career, Willie was a Master Mechanic for the Hoffman Ford Company. After years with Hoffman, Willie became self-employed where he founded and owned Willie’s Garage in uptown Harrisburg. He retired after forty years of service in the automotive (repair) industry. Willie accepted JESUS CHRIST as his LORD and SAVIOR at an early age and later joined the Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church in fellowship. He had a passionate love for helping and supporting his family, community and friends. He also possessed the gift of humor and making those in his presence laugh! In his leisure time, Willie enjoyed playing pool, racing cars, dancing, singing and travelling. He was also an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan. Willie transitioned to his eternal home on Monday, April 4, 2022. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Eiland; parents, Archie and Emma Eiland; two sisters, Rosie Eiland and Bernice Sykes; and three brothers, Archie Eiland Jr., Lake Eiland and Brother Eiland. Willie leaves to cherish precious memories of him and their lives together, his loving and devoted wife for over fifty-five years, Bobbye J. Eiland; four daughters, Paula Eiland (Frank) Murphy, Sopheria Eiland, Erica Johnson (Harrisburg, PA), Joyce Jackson (San Bernardino, CA); one son, Willie Eiland Jr. (Harrisburg, PA); ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Eiland (Milwaukee, WI); four brothers, Otis Eiland, Eugene Eiland (Leland, MS), Ellis (Pat) Eiland, Percy Eiland (Harrisburg, PA); a special sister-cousin, Rita Eiland Bowden; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. “Our hearts are heavy from your departure, but we thank GOD for sharing you with us and his universe for over seventy-eight years! You’ve made a positive impact on your family, community and so many others. We will reflect on and cherish the knowledge, wisdom, unity, laughter and life lessons you shared with us. Sleep on our Dearly Beloved and take your rest. We loved you dearly, but GOD loved you best!” MASKS ARE REQUIRED IF ATTENDING SERVICE. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME.