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Louis Willie Obituary
His death Sunday night was confirmed by Booker T. Washington Insurance, the company for whom Willie worked as an executive. He had Alzheimer's disease.
Shoal Creek Country Club, in suburban Birmingham, was the site of the 1990 PGA Championship. Protests mounted after the club president said Shoal Creek would not be pressured into accepting blacks members. Willie helped quiet the situation by accepting an offer of honorary membership.
Afterward, the Professional Golf Association and other golf groups said they would no longer hold tournaments at clubs that lacked minorities or women as members. An advertising executive became Shoal Creek's first dues-paying black member in 1996.
Willie was a close adviser to the late A.G. Gaston, a black businessman in Birmingham who became a self-made millionaire during the Jim Crow era despite laws mandating segregation.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
28 Entries
Yvette Wilson Scales
October 2, 2007
I just learned of your loss and would like for you to know that my prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May God continue to bless and strengthen you.
It's been a while but,I remember the times spent with all of you, and those are the ones I will always cherish.
Yvette
John "Chip" Fort, Jr.
September 23, 2007
Dear Mrs. Willie and Lou: I'm sorry that I could not attend the funeral of your beloved husband and father. I remember Mr. Willie's reassuring presence at the funeral of my father and his presence on Sunday mornings at St. Marks. As a kid, I was always impressed with his confidence and warmth. I'll always remember his great laugh!I consider myself blessed to have known him.
Marla Asson
September 21, 2007
Lou Willie, like King David, may be best described as a man after God's own heart. He was a mentor, a friend, and a devoted servant of the Lord Christ. May he indeed grow from strength to strength in His service.
Mary Smith
September 21, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Willie. The terrible disease that he suffered will be done away with. God promises that "no one will say I am sick." Isaiah 33:24
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Paul Willie
September 20, 2007
"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." Deuteronomy 33:27
In the Lord's arms there is strength to hold you...grace to sustain you...and love to carry through.
Brenda Graham (GHMR Co. Inc)
September 20, 2007
May God bless you and your family during this time of sadness for the loss of Mr. Willie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
paula thomas/white
September 20, 2007
to the family: We will truly miss a great man. My prayers are with you. May God bless all
paula robinson/white
September 20, 2007
A man of valour; A father figure;
our mentor. A favorite Sunday School Teacher (St.Mark's) Will be greatly missed. You are in my prayers
Kathy Gilbert
September 20, 2007
Mr. Willie was a man of great dignity and grace. My thoughts are with the family.
Judge & Mrs. Robert Cahill
September 20, 2007
To Louis, I know your father is at peace. We have prayed for the repose of his soul.
Sheila Smith
September 20, 2007
Rest in Peace Louis.
Estella Dunn
September 20, 2007
Please accept my condolences.
Anonymous
September 19, 2007
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Sandra Shields Crudup
September 19, 2007
He was a relative of the Thomas (Tom) Shields family from Arkansas.
Beverly Watkins
September 19, 2007
To the family of Louis J. Willie Jr.
May God comfort you in this your hour of bereavement. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Willie!
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
September 19, 2007
REST IN PEACE LOUIS J. WILLIE JR.
September 19, 2007
May God keep and lift,
your family in the name
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Mrs Diana Winston/SOUTH BEND IND
Hartford, Connecticut
September 19, 2007
He is now "teeing-up" on the greatest golf course known to man...and everyone is allowed membership !
WILLIE ANN SURRY
September 19, 2007
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.
Dareleane Ricks
September 19, 2007
What a legacy to leave. May God Bless and Keep as only He can.
Dareleane Ricks & family
Millington, TN 38053
Esther Crayton-Arain
September 19, 2007
May you rest in Peace"
To the family of Mr. Louis J. Willie Jr. My deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one, may you find comfort in knowing that he is with the creator, who does not make any mistakes. Peace and Love
Mary Smith
September 19, 2007
Family members,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Mr. Willie made a lasting contribution to his community. We have the promise from God that pain and suffering will be done away with in the future. This promise brings us comfort and hope.
JoAnn Wheeler-Hunter
September 19, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Irene c morrison
September 19, 2007
sorry for your loss he is in gods hands may god be with you in your sad time
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