Human remains found in a quiet Summerfield cul-de-sac have been identified as those of a man investigators say vanished in late 2024. Rockingham County authorities confirmed the remains belong to 44-year-old Harry Lee Willard Jr. A cause of death has not been released, and officials say they are still waiting on results from the state medical examiner.
Discovery and Identification
According to The Charlotte Observer, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office said in an April 29 news release that deputies were called on April 16 after remains were discovered near 101 Milestone Drive in the unincorporated Summerfield area. Deputies collected the remains and sent them to the N.C. State Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for examination and identification.
Where He Was Last Seen
Investigators say Willard was last seen walking on Angell Road in Madison in late December 2024 and was officially reported missing in early January 2025, according to WXII. Madison sits roughly 10 miles north of Summerfield, and maps show the Milestone Drive address on the edge of woods and farmland.
Investigation and Context
Earlier law enforcement activity in the Madison area provides a stark backdrop. WXII reported last July that search warrants executed on Angell Road turned up large quantities of drugs and firearms, and the station noted that the residences where those warrants were served are the same location where Willard was last seen.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office says detectives are continuing their investigation and will release more information after the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner completes its reports.
