Willie G. Moreland

A TIME TO BE BORN: On Christmas Eve, December 24, 1935, in Cushing, Texas, Thomas Moreland and Annie Landrum Moreland welcomed their last child and son, Willie Gene Moreland, to the family. His 2 brothers and 4 sisters were part of the “welcoming team.”

A TIME TO LEARN AND GROW: As the youngest, he had the benefit of his older siblings imparting knowledge and helping to shape his life. He joined the Methodist Church at an early age and later became a member of Second Baptist Church of Houston. After graduating from high school in Jacksonville, Tx., he served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean Conflict Era. After his military service, he graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

A TIME TO WORK: He was among one of the first African Americans employed as a programmer at the NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. He contributed to many of the advancements in the Space Program. He became project manager of various programming teams that continued to support space exploration. He remained on the “Space Team” until he retired in 1995.

A TIME TO PLAY: Willie was a quiet person who enjoyed the “simple” things in life with “his Betty.” His yard (which he took pride and joy in manicuring) was always the envy of the neighborhood. He enjoyed fishing and readily commented, “I am not too good at this!” He traveled various places but his most talked about were to California or Louisiana to visit his son, grandkids and their families. Willie clearly deserved “Master” titles in the culinary arts and playing Bid Whist.

A TIME TO LOVE: Willie met his soul mate and wife, Betty Jean Coleman, while they were students at Prairie View A&M. They were married on Oct. 3, 1964 and their wedding vows remained in place for 53 years. They were blessed with a son, Rodney.

A TIME TO LAY DOWN THE SWORD: “I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course” were words that Willie knew well. He passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The love and bonds of his families (Morelands and Colemans) were immeasurable. Willie leaves to cherish fond memories: his beloved and devoted wife, Betty; his son, Rodney (Sonji); grandsons-Rodney, Jr., and Tre’ Colby; great grandson-Julian; brother-Rastus(Hattie); sister-Endrene: beloved mother-in-law- Gladys Coleman; devoted brothers and sisters-in-laws; nieces and nephews, and friends.