Willie Alexander Wilson Jr

Admired by many, Willie was well-respected, genuine, and a family man who always placed God first. He was ambitious and goal-oriented, setting extraordinary standards for himself and others around him. Witty, calm, cool, and collected he always performed best under pressure, giving others a peace of mind that everything would work out fine. Willie was a selfless man sharing his wisdom with anyone who wanted to listen and always valued dependability, commitment, and structure.

Willie was born on April 30, 1948 in Portsmouth, Virginia, the eldest child of Lillie Ruth Wilson and the late Willie A. Wilson Sr. He matriculated through the Portsmouth Public School system and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1966. Afterwards, Willie attended Norfolk State College/University, graduated in 1971 and received his commission as a Transportation Corps Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. In the military, Willie adopted discipline and structure that contributed to his strength in character. He demonstrated this character throughout his life and always strived to instill it in others.

Willie impacted the lives of many due to his superlative leadership skills, charm and winning personality. Highlights of Willie’s military career were assignments to Korea, Germany and Ft. Eustis, VA. His outstanding performance earned him decorations that included the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Following his successful military career, Willie served as a master recruiter for J.B. Hunt Transportation Company. He recruited and provided many job opportunities for persons throughout the Hampton Roads Area, with a focus on those soldiers transitioning from the military into the civilian workforce. He later accepted a position with the Newport News Public School System as a Transportation Supervisor. He was recognized for his positive influence on staff and students. During his tenure, Willie’s accomplishments included participation on the Employee Advisory Group. His contribution directly attributed to the success of the Advancement Via Individual Determination Summer Institute (AVID), a program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in college. As a mentor, he created and implemented the “Crittenden Heroes Program”, a program for young black males at risk of failing academically.

Willie was a true man of God. His dedication in the church did not go unnoticed. Solicited and unsolicited, he embraced the opportunity to serve. He never hesitated to say “yes”. He remained a faithful and devoted Deacon for more than 20 years, until his health declined. He was awarded the “Moses Simmons Man of the year” award for his “altruistic spirit and commitment to the mission of Macedonia Baptist Church”. As a Bible study teacher for more than 20 years, Willie inspired the junior boys by sharing life application and knowledge pertaining to the book of Proverbs. His dedication was further exhibited as an amazing Sunday school teacher. Willie facilitated group discussions, stimulated members to think and strongly encouraged them to participate.

Willie was married to Patricia Potts; they had one son, Cameron. He later met Robyn Rucker and in August of 1991, they were married. To this union they had two sons, Stewart and Alexander. Willie and Robyn shared and enjoyed more than 30 years of marital bliss.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Robyn A. Wilson; 3 sons: Cameron Wilson, Stewart Wilson and Alexander Wilson; mother, Lillie Ruth Wilson; 3 siblings: Darryl Wilson, Jewell Davis and Brenda Hood (James); mother-in-law, Barbara Martin; sister-in-law, Lisa Martin; brother-in-law, Marcus (Michele); grandchildren: Isiah, Cameron, Ethan, and Aubrey and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.