Willie James Redden Sr.

IN THE BEGINNING-
The sun rose for Willie James Redden, Sr., on November 23, 1935, in Camilla, Georgia, to the parents of Clarence Redden and Louise Calloway, both who preceded him in death. The sun set for Willie James on March 22, 2023, at the Mitchell County Convalescent Center of Camilla, Georgia.
PERSONAL LIFE ---
Willie James, affectionately known as "Bill", married his "teenage sweetheart," Corene Price, in 1958, and soon thereafter, moved to Fort Pierce, Florida. Willie James and Corene are the proud parents of Gwendolyn, Willie, Curtis and Mary and the super proud grandparents to three wonderful grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
FORMATIVE YEARS-
Willie James was the only child of the late Louise Calloway and carried many wonderful and loving thoughts of his upbringing. His fondest memories were of his mother's two sisters as he lovingly called them his "main aunts" -- Sallie Will Merritt and Jessie Bell Walden, and his favorite uncle Willie Wingfield, Sr. – all preceded him in death.
A MAN OF FAITH--
Willie's faith was an integral part of his life. His relationship with God sustained him through good times and bad; it gave him strength, courage and hope. During his adolescent years, he confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Camilla, Georgia. Upon moving to Fort Pierce, Florida, he became a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church where he was ordained as an honorable Deacon; he and his family served faithfully and diligently in this church for 41 years. He was a kind and generous man who always put others before himself, offering love, support and encouragement to all he came in contact with.
HE WORE MANY CAREER HATS--
For 38 years, Willie thoroughly enjoyed the craft of his career in the cement construction industry at Longstar/Tarmac Cement Company in Fort Pierce, Florida. He also worked as part-time police officer in the St. Lucie County Sheriff Department, a part-time cook in a local bakery, and as a part-time crossing guard with the St. Lucie County School System.
FAMILY-
To Willie James, family was everything. His wife, children and grandchildren and great grandchildren were his universe. He was an honest man who loved God dearly and served as a role model for his children and everyone around him. His warm personality touched all who knew him. As the only child of Louise Calloway and the oldest grandchild – he served as a role-model for younger cousins who looked up to him as "a big brother" rather than as a cousin. He blazed the trail for his younger cousins to emulate; they tried extremely hard NOT to DISAPPOINT HIM!
HISTORY BUFF--
A lot of family history goes with his passing; he was "A WALKING ENCYCLOPEDIA" of the family history. He remembered everyone and everything; he did not hesitate to share this history with anyone who would listen. He loved telling intriguing stories about the family as well as others who had touched his life. He had a zest for life that never stopped and a warm personality that effortlessly drew you into this orbit. (Linda Walden)
LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP--
"Bill" will be dearly and sorely missed - As a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, church member and as a friend. We will miss his sincere and thorough family prayers. His immediate neighbors in Fort Pierce, Florida, were his loving extended family--Mr. Robert Cullins and his wife, Louise, and family. Mr. Robert was his VERY FAVORITE, SERIOUS CHECKER PLAYING RIVAL! And Willie James knows exactly who won this game! (Ha-Ha) (Robert Cullins)
CELEBRATION OF LIFE-
Willie James Redden will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, faithful friend, and an exemplary role model. His legacy of love, light and service will live on in the lives of those he touched, and, in the memories we cherish.
Without a doubt, Willie and Corene (and grandparents) are very thoughtful and proud and supportive of their children and grandchildren in seeing them mature spiritually, academically, and professionally to become productive individuals. They have each forged in their respective areas as high military ranking, college and professional sports and in management.
He leaves to celebrate his 87 years of life his wife, Corene Price Redden; three children--Gwendolyn Blocker-Spence (Tommie) of Wetumpka, Alabama, Willie James Redden, Jr. (Lydia) of Vero Beach, Florida, Curtis Benjamin Redden (Carolyn) of Athens, Alabama, Mary Redden-Jordan, Virginia; three grandchildren, Brittany Redden, Bryan-James Redden, Preston Herring (Brianna); and, three great-grandchildren---Joel White, Jr., Aiden Herring, Brycen Herring; three sisters--- Alice Jean Redden Davis, Rose Lee Redden Robinson, and Velma Williams of Camilla, Georgia; three brothers---Howard "Sonny" Redden of Baconton, Georgia, Lewis Redden (Wilma) of Detroit Michigan, and Artis Redden (Marian) of Palm Coast, Florida.
Preceding him in death were three sisters--Rachael Redden Hayward and Margaret Redden Harris of Camilla, Georgia, and Vera Redden Sweeting of Miami, Florida; three brothers: Jimmy L. Redden and Danny Redden, Camilla, Georgia, Clifford Redden, Jacksonville, Florida.
In-laws – Mariette Ramsey (Jimmy) of Albany Georgia, Robert Price, Sr. (Shellie) of Camilla, Georgia, Maudie Williams of Montgomery, Alabama, Rosetta Whitaker (Henry) of Tallahassee, Florida, Elaine Redden of Jacksonville, Florida, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
May he rest peacefully in eternal glory and may his spirit continue to shine brightly for years to come!
Rest In Peace Willie James Redden -