VERNON, Ala. — James Willard Pless, 82, died Feb. 23, 2026, at Fayette Medical Center-DCH.

Graveside services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, at Furnace Hill, with David Sullivan and Joe Moseley officiating. Chandler Funeral Home of Vernon was in charge of arrangements. 

Mr. Pless was born April 23, 1943, in East Fork, North Carolina, to the late James M. and Hattie Huffman Pless. He was formerly employed as a minister. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Pless; brothers, Clifford Williams, Elmer Stanford, Hugh J. Pless and Bobby Joe Pless; and sister, Julie Pless Edwards Easterwood.

He is survived by his sons, Jimmy Pless of Vernon and Tim Pless of Caledonia; one grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.