Willie Willis

It is with bittersweet sadness and immense pride that we announce the passing of Willie James Willis – a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, Godfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully on August 16, 2026, after a courageous and resilient battle with cancer and aspiration pneumonia. Willie was born on January 21, 1935, in Opelika, Alabama, to the late James A. Willis and Fannie Bell Swanson Willis.

Willie’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, love, and resilience. At the age of 19, he answered the call to serve his country, dedicating two years to the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Liberty, N.C. (formerly Bragg). He was honorably discharged as a specialist technician, embodying the virtues of duty and service that would define his life.

In 1957, Willie embarked on a new journey, moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in search of opportunity and dignity like other black southerners as part of the Great Migrations. His unyielding work ethic soon led him to the American Motors Corporation (AMC), where he found not only a career but a community. For over 30 years, he contributed to AMC, navigating its merger into the Chrysler Corporation, and retired with a legacy of dedication and respect. Little did he know that AMC would deliver some of most memorable and long-lasting friendships – like those with LeeRoy Miller, Mr. Louie, Mr. Frank, and his best friend Joe Lynch.

Willie’s life was marked by love, none more profound than that shared with his beloved wife, Wildred Lyvonne, whom he married on April 10, 1971. Together, they nurtured a family full of joy and laughter, raising two sons, Wendell Eric (Anne) and Wesley. His three grandchildren, Maddie, Max, and Halle, were pride and joy of his later years.

A man of deep faith, Willie dedicated much of his time to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, where he volunteered as an usher and was an active member of the Mt. Olive Booster club (MOB). His service extended beyond the church doors as he provided care and companionship to elderly members of his community – assisting with their home needs and taking joy in shaping their landscapes with his gardening skills.

Willie’s hobbies were simple yet profound, centering around the joy of being with loved ones. Whether perfecting his skills as a BBQ pit master, creating an immaculate lawns & gardens, enjoying the action and “tough talk” in westerns, the humor of comedies, or spending quiet time with his dearest Wildred (as she cheated repeatedly in cards). Willie cherished the simple pleasures of life – especially witnessing the prosperity of the countless younger cousins, nephews, nieces, and children of their friends doing well in career and in life. Willie was genuinely happy for the successes of others and lived vicariously.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, his sister Katherine Jenkins, his brother James Jr., and his only grandson Maxwell Willis. Surviving him are his devoted wife Wildred, his sons Wendell (Eric) and Wesley, and his grandchildren – Maddie and Halle, who will carry forward his legacy of love, integrity, hard work, and perseverance.

The Willis family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Willie’s caregivers at Ascension and Froedtert, and particularly to Dr. Mark Lodes, Dr. Jonathan Treisman, and Dr. Deepak Kilarki, whose dedication afforded Willie and his family four additional years together. In Willie’s own words, “I think I’ve had a good run and can’t complain; I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do – more than I thought possible when I was a kid.”

True to Willie’s wishes, a small and celebratory gathering will take place amongst family and friends to honor his life.

Willie was a man who truly lived a life of service to others, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. As Sidney Poitier once said, “The true measure of a man is in how he provided for his children.” Willie provided not just for his children, but for all whom he loved, and he has undoubtedly made the ancestors proud. Rest in power Willie. You’re now reunited with our sweet Max and you have both left a legacy that has made the ancestors proud and left a legacy that will endure for generations.

In lieu of flowers, Willie prefers you perform simple acts in his name daily that require no money – offer kindness without judgement and an ear to all, provide help before it’s asked, and continue to pay it forward for those less fortunate.