Willie "Bear" L. Salter

Willie Lee Salter was born on February 19, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, to his father, Grant Salter Sr., and his mother, Jessie Mae Partee-Salter. Both have preceded him in death. The eldest of ten children, he was baptized and professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age.

His work ethic and devotion to family was present at a very young age. He worked at a local grocery store, Vescovo’s, from age twelve to eighteen, and would oftentimes give his entire earnings to his beloved mother, to help care for his younger siblings. He taught his sisters how to cook and he gave guidance to his brothers. Willie had numerous nicknames, he was “poochie” amongst his siblings, he was “snowball" with his friends, he was known as “bear" to his Masonic Brothers, and “Bill" to his loving wife.

While working and attending school, Willie played football for Manassas High School. He received several football scholarships to attend college, but the desire to care for his family led him to enlist in the Army at the age of eighteen, after graduating from high school. He frequently told the story, that the Army did not have shoes large enough to fit him. He wore a twelve and the largest size offered was a ten. Somehow, he made that work and proudly served his country until 1967. His determination was woven throughout the fabric of his life, right to the very end.

In 1967, Willie briefly returned to Memphis, amidst turbulent racial tensions in the South. He decided to head North to seek better opportunities. His Uncle Bobbie Lee Partee welcomed him to Indianapolis, and it became his new home. While never forgetting about his family in Memphis, visiting as often as he could and embracing each family member in his presence.

Willie worked at General Motors for over 30 years until he retired. And has always been a pillar in the community and the patriarch for his family standing on faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. Willie L. Salter and Mary E. Brown met in 1978 and were married on September 23, 1989. They were married for 33 years and lovingly raised their family. He enjoyed spending time cruising the world, attending concerts, and cheering for his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. He attended Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where he was a member for over 20yrs. He would also spend countless times at the Masonic Order where he served in several houses Sumner A. Furniss Lodge No. 61 F& AM Prince Hall Affiliated, Constantine Consistory No. 25 United Supreme Council Northern Jurisdiction, Persian Temple No. 46, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, Darius Chapter No. 2 Holy Royal Arch Masons, John C. Dawson & Select Masters, John C. Dawson Council No. 1, Royal & Select Masters, Celestial Star Chapter No. 61 Oder of the Eastern Star and he was also a 33rd Degree Mason (United Supreme Council) were with his Masonic Brethren he formed Friendships and bonds that lasted a lifetime.

After several months of declining health, Willie L. Salter transitioned from labor to rest, on March 1", only a few days after celebrating his 80th birthday. He was preceded in death by three siblings, Diane Salter, Teresa Love, and Bruce Brooks.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Salter, and three sons, Carl Hill (Marilyn), Timothy Smith, and Brian Smith, Sr. (Ronda). Fourteen grandchildren; Carl Jr. (Eureka), Natoya, Ashley, Tilcia, Anthony, Carlon, Audrey, Adrianna, Brian Jr., Ryan, Morgan, Brent (MacKenzie), Terence, Cortney (Kevin)...and twenty great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his siblings, Lillian Salter, Pauline Johnson, Richard Salter, Leroy Salter, Orlesa Williams, Alice Williams, (Keith), Grant Salter, Jr. (Yvette), Jacqueline Hurt, Alice Salter, and Myra Barnes (Leevell).