Willie was born on September 12, 1930, in Grand Junction, Tennessee. Willie received Christ into his life at an early age. He eventually united with the New Era Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as an instructor with the Nurture for Baptist Churches (NBC). He also served as a trustee until his health failed.

Willie graduated from Melrose High School. After serving in the United States Army during the Korean War, he attended LeMoyne-Owen College. He later became employed with the Veterans Hospital as a Nursing Assistant-Medicine and Surgery, retiring after more than 30 years of service.

In June 1955, Willie was united in marriage to Bertha Mae Nunley. To this union, the couple was blessed with two children, Debra and Willie.

On December 21, 2023, Willie departed this life at St. Francis Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Simpson and Mildred Williams; his wife, Bertha Mae Nunley Williams; and his siblings, Clark Simpson and Doris Hairston.

Mr. Williams leaves to cherish his memories: his daughter, Debra (Curtis) Hannah; his son, Rev. Willie S. (Shirley) Williams, Jr.; his grandchildren, Talia (Aaron) Childress, Curtis T. R. (Jennifer) Hannah, Nicholas (Jennifer) Williams, and Jeremy Williams; great-grandchildren, Jurnie, Julian, Jolie, Rian (LaMarcus), Tiazhunn, Ohajine, Delorean, Curtis Jr., Jasmine, Michael, Mikey, Jordan, Harmony, and Jeremy, Jr.; six great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Weaver Hailey, Ida Williams, Carrie Blakely, and Gurvis Trezevant; brother-in-law, Booker T. (Edna) Nunley; special nephew, Hugh Hairston; special cousins, Betty West, Rev. Dr. G.C. Simpson, Jr., and Willie Mae Peete; and a number of other nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Ascension Baptist Church 3000 Allen Rd, Memphis, TN 38128. Celebration of Life will be Friday, January 5, 2024 2:30pm at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125