Willie James Peavy

Willie James Peavy (Skate) was born on December 31, 1940 in Worth County, GA to Cora Lee Rush (Peavy) who preceded him in death. Willie was the second of Cora’s nine children. After graduation from Wells High School in Chicago, Willie enlisted in the army and served in Vietnam. While in the army, Willie assisted soldiers by dropping supplies out of airplanes!

While in the army, Willie met his 1st wife Gloria who has preceded him in death. This union produced two children, Keith and Kendria Peavy.

After being discharged from the army Willie was employed by Western Electric (Lucent Technologies) at the Hawthorne facility in Chicago. In addition to his normal duties, he became the president of the Union. He was very instrumental in the civil rights of his fellow coworkers and implemented changes to improve work conditions. Western Electric was sold to Lucent Technologies (AT & T) and many layoffs occurred but Willie took the offer to relocate. He chose Atlanta, GA to begin with his family where he stayed until his retirement.

In 1995, Willie became enchanted with gathering and learning his family history. This quest led him to uncover hundreds of relatives with the Peavy family name. Willie was able trace his family roots back to three enslaved persons, Isom, Sam, and Mariah Peavy. Willie discovered that he was a direct descendant of Sam and Mariah. This, History was verified by the preserved Bill of Sale hand delivered to Willie by descendants of the slave owners at the Inaugural Peavy Family Reunion in 1997 in Atlanta!

In 2004, Willie met Ms. Inez or “Honey” as they affectionately called each other until the day he was called home. Throughout these past 18 years, Willie and Inez traveled all over the country for the Peavy family reunions! From Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Ohio, New Jersey, and even Punta Cana, Dominican republic, Willie never missed the opportunity to fraternize with his new and old family members. Willie and Inez even took a trip to Hawaii to visit his eldest niece!

Willie was devoted member of Mount Carmel Christian Church. There he played the trumpet and even tried his hand at singing in the choir! He also loved to go out to eat! One of Willie’s favorite things to do was have a great meal on Sundays after church. In the summer of 2022 Willie and Inez made a trip all the way to Chicago to have a seafood boil with his siblings! Willie loved playing pool when was able. He was known as “Demon” on the tables!

Willie is survived by his lovely wife Inez, his children Keith and Kendria Peavy and one grandchild Miles Peavy. His bonus sons Nathaniel, Fredrick, Calvin and Sandy Ware, who he adored. His older brother Fred Peavy(Jeanette), sister Geraldine Laury, younger brothers Ret. US Congressman Bobby L. Rush (Paulette), Marlon Rush (Cora) and Kenny Rush. His sister Judy Rush, brothers Denis and Rex Rush have preceded Willie in death. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.