Deacon Willie James was born February 15, 1947, Meriwether County, Georgia, to the late Mr. James & Mrs. Lizetta Mitchell Anthony. He departed this life peacefully on January 30, 2013 at Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, GA. Although it was Willie James’ plan to return home to BlackJack, God had another plan for him. He fought a good fight, and kept the faith. However, God saw his pain and told him, “Come on home son, and be at rest”. He now resides in Heaven with his mother and father, James and Lizetta, and twin brothers, James and Jimmy.
He was a proud 1965 graduate from Woodbury High School, Meriwether County. He began his walk with Jesus at an early age, and was a steadfast member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. He served on the Usher Board and Deacon Board, while still diligently working with many programs within the church. He served as a Deacon until he went into the hospital on November 23, 2012. He sincerely loved the Lord, his Piney Grove church family, and his Pastor.
He was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Annie Dukes, on June 16, 1968. To this union, there were two sons and one daughter. Willie James also extended his love and support throughout the community. In the early 1980’s, he was a committed coach of the Grantville Boys’ Baseball team. He shared a great love for them and it showed on and off the field. The team went on to win many games and tournaments. He retired from Delta Airlines in 2000 after working 32 ½ years, where he was affectionately known as “Big Dog”.
Willie James was a man that didn’t hold back his feelings or thoughts. He had a way of telling you off, yet was able to show you he still loved you. He was well known throughout the BlackJack community and the surrounding areas. It was said that he never met a stranger. If you didn’t know him, you would by the end of the conversation. He was a strong man that didn’t let circumstances get him down. Although he was a dialysis patient for the last 12 years, he didn’t let that stop him. He was determined to continue with his daily routines. He was quick to tell anyone, “I have the remote in one hand, and the telephone in the other hand.”
Willie James leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife of 44 ½ years Annie Anthony of Senoia, GA, two sons: (Retired) – Staff Sergeant Victor (Tammy) Anthony of Fairburn, GA, Gregory (Sheri) Anthony of Union City, GA, two daughters: Kimberly Anthony of Senoia, GA, Juan (Robert) Thompson of Decatur, GA; eleven grandchildren: Bryan, Darien, Deion, Daimyen, Michael, Joshua, Rylee, Nyah, Latoya (Joseph) Melendez, Quanisha (Robert II), Joshua; three great-grandchildren: Verse, Aliana and Robert III. Three play sisters: Willene (Eddie) Smith, Annie (Willie) Kirksey, Brenda (Steward) Wimbush and of course Ruby Smith who often says to him “just like a dad to me”.
Five Aunts: Irene Harris, Annie Doris Davis, Alberta Hill, Addie Mae (Curtis) Stokes and Annie Grace Ferrell and Pearl Anthony all of Senoia, GA. Five Sister-in-laws: Fannie (William) Harper, Linda Bonner, Martha Dunlap, Pennie Hill, Patsie Parks and Barbara Dukes; Four Brother-in-laws: Jessie Dukes, Lonnie (Thelma) Dukes, Charlie (Jackie) Dukes, Paul (Cindy) Dukes; Two Aunt-in-laws: Gaudie Mae Jones and Creamer (James) Coverson; Two Uncles-in-laws: M.C. (Winnie) Dunson and Tyra (Thomasina). A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends who loved him and will miss him in their lives.