Mr. Willie Earl Williams, 88, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away Friday, March 1, 2024 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center after an extended period of illness.

Willie was born June 25, 1935 to Vera Williams and Mike Sutton in Eden, NC and he attended school in Elizabeth City, NC. At the age of 19, he moved to New York City where he met the love of his life. He was employed at Timber Tone Wallpaper Company and Saco Doll Company.

In 1977, he moved his family to Winston-Salem, NC and was employed with Stroh's Brewery until his health began to decline in the 1990's.

Willie Earl and Ida Grinnell were married in 1957 and to that union three daughters were born: Vanessa, Willie Mae, and Deirdre.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his daughter, Vanessa; five sisters, Marion Murden, Martha Riddicks, Mary Rouse, Penny Skinner and Naomi Sutton; and two brothers, Steve Pittman and Mike Sutton.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Ida of 66 years; three daughters, Willie Mae (Frank) Morris of Winston-Salem, NC, Deirdre Junior of Rock Hill, SC, and Sabrina Gibbs of Columbia, SC; one adopted son, Leon (Alaine) Williams of Mebane, NC; one adopted daughter, Trenell Weeks of Queens, NY; six grandchildren, Janise (Ty) Leach, Nathan and Nechorus Morris of Winston-Salem, NC, Britteny (Tyler) Vale, B.J. (Itze) Junior of Rock Hill, SC and Brandon Junior of Charlotte, NC; fifteen great grandchildren, Cherell (Donald) Scales, Tyreik Leach, Kawaun, Saniya, Jesse, Kyniyon, Nekiyla, Nazir, and Marleigh Morris all of Winston-Salem, NC, Rashawn Carroll of Japan, Camren Vale, Bailynn, Bailani, and Mahki Junior of Rock Hill, SC and Branson Junior of Charlotte, NC; one great-great grandson, Zaire Scales of Winston-Salem, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends.

Willie loved to play a mean game of bid whist and checkers. He had a wonderful sense of humor that never changed. He truly loved his family and always was a good husband, father, and grandfather.

He will truly be missed.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, March 8, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:00 on Saturday at the Chapel.