Willie Ray Wingo

Willie Ray Wingo, age 58, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

He was born on August 22, 1967, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Pastor Ernestine Carter and the late Willie Ed Wingo. From an early age, Willie's life reflected faith, dedication, and a deep love for family.

Willie attended school in Carthage, Mississippi, and Racine, Wisconsin, graduating from Carthage High School in 1986. Following high school, he honorably served in the United States Army until 1994. After completing his military service, he returned to Racine, Wisconsin, where he began his career as a chemical operator. He later relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, continuing his exemplary work ethic from 1995 until 2024, when health challenges arose.

Willie was an extraordinary man who deeply believed in being a devoted husband and family man. He cherished time spent with family and friends and was known for his welcoming spirit-his home always had an open door. Willie found the love of his life, Marilyn, and they were united in marriage in April 2009. Together, they shared a love so genuine it could be felt by anyone in their presence. Where one was, the other was never far behind. Their everlasting bond was a true reflection of God's love, and they never failed to show up in style.

Having given his life to Christ at an early age, Willie was baptized and remained faithful in his walk with the Lord, attending church regularly. He was gifted with a beautiful, soulful singing voice and possessed a heart that extended love to all he encountered. To know Willie was truly to love him.

Willie Ray Wingo leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Marilyn F. Wingo; children Kenneth Jackson (Milwaukee, WI), Brandon Jackson (Las Vegas, NV), Raymaund Smith (Dallas, TX), Justin (Shantel) Sanders (Gulfport, MS), Persephiney Wingo (Dallas, TX), and Amber Jones (Forest, MS); and eight beloved grandchildren: CJ Griffin (Gulfport, MS), Keniyah Jackson (Milwaukee, WI), Lyric Sanders (Gulfport, MS), Makenzie Brown (Milwaukee, WI), Raymaund Smith Jr. (Brandon, MS), Ayana Jones (Forest, MS), Kingston Sanders (Gulfport, MS), and Kobe Smith (Oklahoma City, OK).

He is also survived by his sisters Tracye Carter (Atlanta, GA), Kim McBeath (Carthage, MS), Dwonne Carter (Houston, TX), and Star Wingo (Carthage, MS); brothers Edward (Stacia) Carter (Apopka, FL), Pastor Roy Carter (Racine, WI), Christopher (Gail) Carter (Racine, WI), Otis (Angie) Wingo (Carthage, MS), David Wingo (Carthage, MS), Kevin Wingo, and Pastor Walker (Laton) Wingo (Florence, AL); his loving parents-in-law Eddie and Juliette Hughes (Milwaukee, WI); sisters-in-law Jennifer Brice (Charlotte, NC), Amy (Melvin) Taylor (Milwaukee, WI), and Serrell (Dwight) Fulton (Lawrenceville, GA); along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He also leaves behind his beloved goddaughter, Haidynn, born January 1, 2026.

Willie was preceded in death by his father, Willie Ed Wingo; his stepmother, Betty Wingo; and Pastor E. C. Carter.

God saw you getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you
And whispered, "Come to Me."
With tearful eyes we watched you
As you slowly slipped away,
And though we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
Your golden heart stopped beating,
Your tired hands put to rest;
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

Pallbearers:
Robert Young, Bobby Boyd, Aaron Yancey, Anthony Waldrop, Pernell Dorsey, Edward Nelson

Honorary Pallbearers:
Kenneth Jackson Jr., Brandon Jackson, Raymaund Smith, Justin Sanders, Otis Wingo, Dejaun Flowers

Flower Bearers:
Family and Friends

Special Thanks:
The doctors, nurses, and caregivers of Aurora Cancer Care Center

Acknowledgment:
Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a floral arrangement-if so, we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words that any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all, but thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much.

Visitation from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, with Service at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Abundant Faith Church of Integrity, 7830 Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interment to follow at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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