Willie Lee Pledger, Sr., affectionately known as "Buddy," was born on October 24, 1947, in Plymouth, North Carolina, to the late Willie Britton and Rodena Hassell. He peacefully transitioned from this life on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Novant Medical Hospital ICU, surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.

Willie graduated from Forsyth Technical College in 1984. He retired after dedicated years of service with the City of Winston-Salem and the Forsyth County Courthouse. Prior to his retirement, he worked with the Winston-Salem Police Department as a janitor—a position he truly loved and took pride in.

To know Willie, or "Buddy," was to be truly blessed. He was a kind-hearted man who opened his heart to everyone he met. A strong man of faith, Willie was a dedicated trustee and active member of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church. He participated in several rallies and social justice movements and volunteered faithfully with the NAACP. Willie was also a devoted sports fan and proudly cheered for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles.

Although his earthly journey has ended, Willie's love, wisdom, and spirit will continue to guide and inspire all those he leaves behind. He will be forever cherished and never forgotten.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilhelmenia Jackson-Pledger; his daughter, Annie Dilliard; his sister, Joyce Ferebee-Thatch; and his brothers, Randy Norman and Clifford Britton.

He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his five children: daughters, Michelle Jackson and Charlitta Pledger; sons Chris (Veronica) Jackson, Willie (Joneice) Pledger Jr., Joshua (Constance) Pledger, and bonus son, Eric Johnson. He is also survived by his sisters, Nellie Blount, Ruth Wilson, Sharon Irby; and his brother, Eddie (Angela) Ferebee.

Willie was a loving grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Fetica, DeQuentin, Timothy, Hope, Chariti, Tyara, Joshua II, Joslynn, Paige, Jaden, Carrington, Shemar, Sherod, and Blessing; and eight great-grandchildren: Michael, London, Lauryn, Lydia, Lena, Layla, Ny-Aire, and Tru; special goddaughter, Chermaine Hughes; his favorite nephew, Nathan Ferebee; loyal friends Richard Morning, Joseph Baker, and Henry Murden Sr.; and a host of other family and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Friday, January 23, 2026 at Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Clyde Lindsay officiating. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00pm on Friday at the Church.