Willie was a lifelong resident of Valley, Alabama and worked for West Point Pepperell. He was a member of Lanett First Baptist Church and served as a Greeter. Willie is best known as the "shoe shine" man at Wright's Grocery. He was an avid cowboy movie watcher. He loved old cowboy movies and watched them all day every day. He was a member of the Valley Rescue Squad and an avid league bowler until his decline in health. He loved to travel to Cherokee, North Carolina with his friend, Thomas Caldwell and always had a great story to tell upon his return. He was proud of his Cherokee Indian heritage and everyone who met him heard the stories. Up until his decline in health he loved to visit friends and should you go to visit him, you best watch out for "Kitty" his sidekick, who lived with him in his little house ion Valley.

He is survived by his longtime caregiver and guardian Susan Harmon, his devoted neighbors, David and Deborah Maddux, and his long time friend, Thomas Caldwell.