Mr. Harry William Vandross, 71, of 94 Whitehurst Road, Gates, N.C., died Oct. 21, 2003, in Obici Hospital. A native of the Bronx, N.Y., he was preceded in death by his parents, William Vandross and Gladys Barnes-Vandross, and a son William Royal.

He was a member of St. Timothy Baptist Church, its Usher Board, and Sunday School.

He is survived by a daughter, Ruth Wilkins (William) of Gates, N.C.; two sons, Harry Vandross Jr. of New York and Frederick Tillman of Virginia Beach; three sisters, Muriel Smith (John) of Greenville, S.C.; Gail Sanders Graham and Robin Sanders, both of New York; two brothers, Frederick Vandross and Daniel Sanders, both of New York; devoted grandchildren; Antwoniette Blow, Sonia Nicholson and Yolander Blakely; several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; devoted friends, Corey Whitney and Donnie Edwards, Mr. Raymond, other relatives and friends.

The memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 25, in St. Timothy Baptist Church.

Crocker Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.