LTC Willie James McFadden U.S. Army

Please join us as we gather to honor and celebrate the accomplished life of Willie James McFadden Sr. Willie entered eternal rest and peace at home Friday morning, Feb. 27, 2026. After 92 years on this earth, he now walks in glory in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Willie was born August 11, 1933, in Campville, Fla., to the late John Thomas and Rosa Mae McFadden.

He became a Christian early in life and faithfully served his community and the Lord. He married Gloria Chandler on Feb, 22, 1955. They lived in several states within the United States and overseas. Willie retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, and they settled in Newport News, Va.

He attended Florida A&M where he studied Mathematics from 1951-1955 and received his B.G.E. in Mathematics from the University of Omaha in 1966. He also received his Management and Supervision Certificate from Central Michigan University in 1980.

With this knowledge, Willie embarked on a career in the United States Army that spanned more than 25 years as an officer, serving in various company and field grade levels. Willie was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer serving in Germany, multiple locations in the United States (including Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Riley, Kansas) and two tours in Vietnam. He also served at Patrick Air Force Base (Fla.) in the Test and Evaluation Office as part of his functional area (FA54) expertise. While serving as Director of Test and Evaluation, Office of the Army Chief of Staff, Willie developed test plans, training programs, and test reports for agencies in the Army's material acquisition process. He directed a task force of several hundred personnel, ensuring the adequacy, credibility, and integrity of test programs. Willie tested new equipment (i.e. TACFIRE) before its entry into the Army's active inventory. He retired from the Army after this rewarding assignment.

Willie was always a leader and excelled at training young men and women. Thus, upon retiring from active duty, he moved to Surry County, Va., to establish the inaugural JROTC program for Surry County High School. There, he created longstanding relationships and bonds with his cadets and faculty that have endured to this day. He planned, organized and managed the JROTC program. Willie developed a training program that included lesson plans, the procurement of training materials, uniforms, and other items required in establishing a viable JROTC program. He used innovative techniques and attention to detail to implement this successful and long-standing program, which received an 'outstanding' evaluation from the Army in its first year.

After transitioning from Director of the Surry High School JROTC program, Willie moved into his final position as the Director of Maintenance, supporting Ft. Eustis, Va., as a contractor for Northrop Grumman. Willie served in this lead capacity for 15 years. He ensured expeditious repair of equipment and timely deployment of all units with their equipment in fully mission capable condition. Additionally, he organized, managed and coordinated maintenance support to mobilization and unit deployments for Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Haiti, Somalia, Desert Fox and other contingencies. He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of his military service.

Willie was a true follower of Christ and a prayer warrior. He consistently worked in the church as an usher, deacon and counselor. He served in these capacities at Evangel Temple in Washington, D.C., First Baptist Church in Dendron, Va., Bethel Temple in Newport News, Va., and most recently at World Outreach Worship Center in Newport News.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Rosa Mae; brother John Jr.; eldest son Reginald (Rebecca); great-granddaughter Miriah; and grandson Nathaniel. He leaves to cherish his memory: wife of 72 years, Gloria; sons Harrington (Patricia), Willie II (Sheila) and Howard (Marie); his daughters Cassandra (widow of Ben Taylor) and Jonell Lynn; sister Mary (widow of Charles Smith); 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends who dearly loved him.

A homegoing celebration begins with viewing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, followed by an 11 a.m. service at World Outreach Worship Center, Newport News, Va. The service will be officiated by Russell Evenson, lead pastor, Norman Rush Jr., administrative pastor, and Larry Queen, worship pastor. View the livestream at wowcenter.org. Interment will follow the service at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Va. Arrangements by Cooke Brothers Funeral Chapel (cookebros.com).

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