Willie Lee McIlwain, Jr. was born on August 8, 1952 to Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Columbus McIlwain.  He spent his life in Winston-Salem, NC.  He passed peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

Willie was educated in the local public schools where he attended Carver High School.  He enrolled in the US Army.  Willie was a loving, kindhearted man who loved having fun and always had a smile for everyone.

Willie grew up in Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church as a child until he enrolled in the military.  After the military, Willie chauffeured for RJ Reynolds and worked for Bell Brothers Cafeteria for over 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Willie will be missed by all his siblings.  We enjoyed every moment with him! Willie brought much happiness into our lives.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Mary; three brothers, Samuel Lee McIlwain, Roger W. (Sandra) McIlwain, and Timmothy McIlwain; three sisters, Annette M. Martin, Peggy Carpenter, and Pamela Teeter; one precious aunt, Nancy Fulp; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Monday, November 4, 2019 at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Allen Baldwin officiating. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Monday at the Church.