Willie Traylor

Willie Frank Traylor went home to the Lord on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. The timing carried a quiet blessing.

He entered hospice on his birthday, and he returned to the Lord on a day set aside for gratitude. Peggy and the family see grace in that arc, a gentle sign that his life was held in God's hands from the beginning.

Willie was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Lockland, Ohio. His early years shaped him into a man of resolve, humility, and steady faith. On November 24, 1972, he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Navy for twenty-two years honorable service.

His naval journey carried him from Hawaii to Italy then onward to Japan, Australia, Philippines and the Red Sea before bringing him back to Hawaii once more to sunset his dutiful and decorated career. Over the course of his service, Willie rose to the rank of Command Master Chief, serving as a senior enlisted leader responsible for the readiness, discipline and welfare of sailors under his command.

His final duty assignment was to be commissioned as an instructor at the prestigious Naval Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, Rhode Island, where he shaped and mentored the next generation of senior enlisted leaders. In that culminating role, he passed values that defined his own career: integrity, accountability, service, and care for sailors. He taught with clarity, led with calm authority, and upheld the highest standards of the Navy's enlisted corps.

Throughout his career, he earned multiple commendations, good conduct awards, unit citations and sea service honor, all worn with humility and quiet pride.

Of all his callings, his family was his heart. His journey with Peggy held seasons of distance and reunion, challenge and renewal, and a love refined through grace. Their story stands as a testament to forgiveness, perseverance, and the strength found in finding one another again. Together they built a home grounded in faith, courage, and devotion.

Willie is survived by his wife Peggy Traylor; his son William Traylor, and daughter-n-law Chana; and his three granddaughters, Kira, Kari, and Willow, who brought him deep joy and pride. He is also survived by his brothers, Jimmie Traylor and Henry Dansby, nieces, Leslie Traylor, Falisha Austin all of whom held a special place in his heart.

He lived his life with quiet steadiness. He worked hard. He protected his family. He worked in faith. Even in his final days, he carried a peace that only comes from trusting God completely. His family will always remember his gentle presence, his unwavering loyalty, and depth of love he gave freely.

He is preceded in death, Rosie Pearl Traylor (mother), Shelley Gray (sister), Claira Mae (sister), and James (Quentin) Traylor (nephew) whom he now joins in eternal rest.

Willie lived with quiet steadiness. He worked hard and protected what mattered. He led with integrity. He walked in faith. He carried his faith into every season of life, trusting God even when the path was hard.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2Timothy 4:7

Peggy and the family extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at the Memorial Hermann John S. Dunn Burn Center, whose kindness and care were a blessing in his final days.

Military honors will be rendered in recognition of his distinguished service.

Service details will be shared as arrangements are completed. The family invites all who knew and loved Willie to join in celebrating a life lived with honor, leadership, service and enduring faith.