SFC (Ret.) Willie James Foster

very exceptional person. He was born on August 28, 1953 in Milner, GA and raised by his grandparents Jim Cobb Foster and Ethel Simmons.

He passed away one day before his 62nd birthday on August 27, 2015 in Harker Heights, TX surrounded by his loved ones.

Willie had a number of interests, but in his spare time he liked coin collecting, listening to music and watching the Sci-Fi channel.

He graduated from Griffin High School in 1972 and later joined the United States Army.

Willie was blessed with five children, Francine, Aquila, Willie II, Timothy and Felicia.

His primary occupation was as a Lead Cook in the US Military.

As a U.S. Army Soldier, he was stationed at Ft. Hood TX, Ft. Benning GA, Korea, Germany and Honduras. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of

SFC. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct

Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon

and the Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Willis, his grandparents Jim Cobb Foster and Ethel Simmons and his brother J.W. Richardson.

SFC (Ret.) Willie James Foster is survived by his wife Frenchell Foster, his mother Bessie Mae Richardson, his children; Francine Thomas, Aquila Foster,

Willie J. Foster II, Felicia Foster (Samuel) and Timothy Foster (Natasha); 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He is also survived by his 2 brothers;

Johnny Richardson and Jackson Richardson.

A wake will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2015 from 6-8 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. Homegoing services will be held on Friday,

September 4, 2015 at 1:30 PM in the chapel of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. SFC (Ret.) Foster will be laid to rest in the Central Texas State

Veterans Cemetery with full military honors following the services.

Please share condolences with the family by visiting www.crawford-bowers.org