Willie Wilson

Willie (Brother) Wilson was born in Eufaula, Alabama on September 14, 1924. He was one of 13 children born to the union of the late John and Jennie (Erkins) Wilson. While surrounded by his loving family, God called Willie home on Thursday afternoon, April 23, 2015.
Willie’s family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1936 when he was 12 years old. As a youth, he studied automotive mechanics at a vocational high school until he was drafted into the Army of the United States. He began serving his country, July 22, 1943 as a Supply Clerk and Truck Driver and was stationed on the West Pacific Island in Saipan. Willie received multiple awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal for his acts of heroism while in a combat zone, a Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
After being honorably discharged on January 10, 1946, Willie returned home to Cincinnati, Ohio where he held various jobs until he was employed with the United States Postal Service. He worked as a Mail Clerk before becoming a Letter Carrier and retired after 36 years.
Willie was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Evanston, Ohio. Some of his favorite pastimes included tinkering with his automobiles, reading books and historical publications and studying maps. He liked engaging in conversations on politics, current and world events and sports. Of course, Willie’s most favorite topic of all was “the Railroad.” As a young boy, he had dreamed of becoming a Railroad Engineer. Although this dream was never realized, he always maintained his passion for the subject. Willie also enjoyed taking family vacations, site seeing, visiting national landmarks and attending family reunions.
Willie met his beloved, Stella Mae McGuire when they both worked for the same local company. He wrote to her father to ask for his per-mission and blessing for her hand in marriage. They joined in holy matrimony on December 24th, Christmas Eve 1946. To this union came four children.
He leaves behind: his wife, Stella Mae; four children, Willie (Donna), Deborah (Joseph) Calloway, Garry (Darlene) and Lynette Wilson; a loving sister, Jeannie (Herbert) Sparks; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Willie was a devoted husband, father and grand-father.
When asked by his friends and relatives how he was doing, Willie would cheerly reply, “Fairly Well.”