Willie Alfred Gabriel, aka "Gabe", was born on July 20, 1951, to Sylvester James Gabriel, Sr., and Katherine Gabriel. He is now reunited with his wife of 39 years, Julia; his parents, James Gabriel, Sr. and Katherine Adams; and his older brothers, Arthur Lee Williams, Bernard Adams, and Melvin W. Gabriel, in Heaven.

Willie was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and educator. He was a stickler for the rules but also a very sensible man. Willie was compassionate, strong, and generous, and if you were lucky enough, you got to experience his wonderful sense of humor. Willie was a man of many talents and hobbies. As a youngster, he played organized baseball and basketball with the neighborhood kids, enjoyed swimming, and occasionally got to go to the movie theater to see a film. One of his favorite memories as a kid was getting a miniature pool table as a gift so that he could play with his siblings. As a teenager and adult, Willie enjoyed playing golf and tennis. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, analyzing the stock market, traveling, obsessing over his grass length, painting countless giant Santa statues, and cooking/baking. Willie loved to share what he baked with neighbors, co-workers, and friends, just as his wife did when she was alive.

After graduating from Atkins HS in 1970, Willie went to Brevard Community College for two years to study Liberal Arts and then transferred to NC A&T to achieve his BS in Economics. After graduation, Willie went to work for RJR in Advertising and Marketing for 20 years. During his transition from corporate America to public school education, Willie returned to Winston-Salem State University to obtain his second bachelor's before attending Appalachian State University for his master's in School Administration. Upon graduation, Willie landed his first job with WSFCS at Hill Middle School (now Philo-Hill Magnet) as a 6th-8th math and science teacher, where his greatest accomplishment was being able to relate and get through to his students with his no-nonsense demeanor and determination to see each child succeed and thrive past their current circumstances. While at Hill, he was promoted to Curriculum Coordinator and transitioned that role to Meadowlark Middle School in 2000. He would spend around eight years as the curriculum coordinator before being promoted again to Assistant Principal before retiring in 2016. As an Assistant Principal, Willie recounts that one of his favorite things was being able to move around a lot and being able to interact with the students, his teachers, and his staff. He wanted to be remembered as a team player and someone his teachers and staff could depend on.

During his retirement, he worked on the one project he loved the most, his yard and house improvements, and traveling before the world shut down due to COVID-19 in 2020. During that time, Willie was diagnosed with stage 3 small cell lung cancer and would begin the battle for his life. He had an excellent and compassionate care team at Novant Oncology, and we couldn't be more thankful and proud of the love and care they showed him. Each of his practitioners praised him for his positive attitude during treatments and his calm disposition during his visits. They were genuinely sad, but understood when he decided to no longer receive chemotherapy treatments in July 2024. This was a powerful and brave decision to make, and it gave him control over his illness and how he wanted to spend the remaining time of his life.

Willie left his earthly home on Saturday, August 17, 2024, surrounded by love and family as he entered the gates of Heaven to be with those who have gone before him. While we will miss him tremendously, we are incredibly thankful for the life he has lived and the legacy he leaves behind.

Willie is survived by his daughter, Brittany Gabriel of Pfafftown, NC, and grand-puppy, Benjamin "Ben Ben" Gabriel. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (Herbert) Farrish of Raleigh, NC; and brothers, James Gabriel, Jr. of Winston-Salem, NC and Tyrone Gabriel of Garland, TX. He leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, his special lady friend, Mary, and those he calls close family friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, August 23, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.