Willie was born on April 27, 1919, to the late Alex and Polly (nee: Blackmon) Woods in Allenville, Alabama. He worked several jobs until he was called to serve with the U.S. Army in 1942. After being discharged with honors, Willie moved to Racine and started playing semi-pro baseball with the Racine Blues and the American Cleaner teams. As a gifted ball player, Willie was afforded the opportunity to try out with the Chicago Cubs.In 1959, he married the late Charleen “Sudie” (nee: Pearson) Woods. Prior to his retirement, Willie was employed by the JI Case Corporation. At the same time, he leased and co-owned the “J&W” Tavern. Willie was a Master Mason and a Worshipful Master Mason for “JOPPA #9” for more than 30 years. He was also a dedicated member of Greater St. Luke Baptist Church for over 20 years, where he served as a church trustee, member of the male chorus, church supplier, cook, finance committee, bus committee and Sunday school finance collector.
Willie leaves to cherish his many memories - six daughters, Beverly Reynolds, Sheila Grandy, Linda Dawson, Sharon Flowers, all of Racine; Sheila Brown of California; and Janice Lawrence of Atlanta, GA; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; special nephews and nieces, Charles (Mary) Woods, Willie (Nancy) Lawson, Hoby (Clementine) Lawson, David (Hattie) Coles, Sarah Robinson, Denise Tyler, Clarise Woods and Mable Baldwin; one special great-niece, Drenna (Megrit) Smith; and a host of great- nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews; great-great-great nieces and nephews; and best friends, James “Scoop” Bogan, John Mosley and Annie Howell. Willie is also survived by his very special lady friend “Ms. Rebecca Black,” who was there by his side until the end.
Homegoing services will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at 11 a.m. in New Omega Baptist Church, 5731 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Jessie Sumerall and Rev. Fred Richmond, Sr. officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in New Omega Church on Monday evening, October 5, from 5-7 p.m. with a Masonic Service being offered at 6 p.m.; and visitation again in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.
The family would like to express special thanks to Ridgewood Care Center and to All Saints Medical providers, especially Brady Welsh, MD and Carlos Morales, RN. May God bless all of you!
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 262-552-9000
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