Willie J. Williams Jr.

Willie James Williams Jr. was born in Caruthersville, Missouri. on February 18, 1948 to the union of Willie James Williams, Sr. and Mary Linda (Love) Williams.
Willie spent the early years of his life in Caruthersville, Missouri until the family relocated to Benton Harbor, MI. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Second Baptist Church located on Cherry St. in Benton Harbor, MI. He attended school in the Benton Harbor school district and 4 months before graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1966 decided to enter the U. S. Army. He served his country during the VietNam conflict and was honorably discharged in 1969 due to injuries he suffered during that time. While in the service at the urging of his parents and his commanding officer he completed his G.E.D. Upon returning home he continued with his education through on the job training and received several certificates including one in arts, drafting and commercial truck driving.

Willie loved to draw and one of the most memorable sketches he drew and sent home was a drawing of his first wife and first love, LaVerne (Pittman) Williams. He drew her completely from his memory, he said, so that he would have her close to him while he was going through hell and back. He was also a talented singer and could be found singing with his buddies on the street corners, or wherever they could find a place to practice. He had the highest tenor voice around and loved singing tunes by the Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Spinners and other Motown legends. One of his favorite songs was “My Girl” by the Temptations.

Willie loved singing, listening to music and having loving debates with close family and friends. Out of all his siblings he was the quiet strength. He never talked about what he endured but chose to keep things to himself. He liked helping others and sharing tall tales.

He was married to LaVerne (Pittman) Williams for several years then they divorced. He later married Deniece Williams and this marriage also ended in divorce. Due to the mental stress caused by the war he was scarred both physically and mentally, but he said that he would never give up on God because God never gave up on him. He loved listening to the hymns because he felt they gave him peace in his storm.

On Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026, God called and Willie answered and went to dwell with Him. Left to cherish his precious memories are his children, Deidra Williams-Kindred, Delray Williams, Deshonique Williams, and Denine Williams. One sister Elder Jacquelyn (Von) Clement of Benton Harbor, Michigan, two brothers Dwight C.Williams, Grandville, Michigan, and Dewayne (Marsha) Hadley, Oceanside, CA. A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, several grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, cousins, friends and a special friend Hattie Williamson, his caretaker and fellow veteran John Potts and dear friend and fellow veteran Rev. Rodney C. Gulley.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Willie Wiliams Sr., his sister Linda C. Hill, maternal and paternal grandparents, several aunts, uncles, cousins, niece Leantonette Williams-Gentry and nephew Shauntae Hill.

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