Willie McFayden was born on September 2, 1988, in St. Augustine, Florida, to Willie McFayden Sr. of Daytona Beach, Florida, and Bridgette Early of St. Augustine, Florida. He was the third eldest of ten siblings.
Willie built an impressive career in retail leadership and business management. He began his professional journey with Walmart, where he quickly advanced into leadership roles while earning his degree in business administration. His dedication, strong work ethic, and natural leadership abilities led him to managerial positions with several major companies, including Starbucks and Bealls, where he served as a manager.
Willie was proud of his skills and accomplishments, including earning his real estate license as he continued pursuing new opportunities for growth. He was known for his professionalism, commitment to excellence, and the way he uplifted and inspired every team he worked with.

Willie transitioned from his earthly tabernacle to his eternal home on December 7, 2025, at his home. He was preceded in eternal rest by his grandmothers, Louise Spells and Helen Dennis; uncles, Kenneth Early and Henry Lee Spell; his foster care mother, Barbara Wilkerson Sims; and his foster care father, John Sims.

He leaves to cherish his memories: two daughters, Destiny J. Crews and Athenea L. McFayden; two sons, Amir J. McFayden and Schuyler Washington; his mother, Bridget Early-Johnson, his father, Willie McFayden, Sr., his significant other, Brittany Williams; and siblings, Shawn Early, Micah McFayden, Jordan McFayden, Willie J. McFayden Shadrick McFayden, Joshua McFayden, Isaac Sims, Alfred Capers, Keya Smith, Ashley Dennis, Layla McFayden, Ivana Auguilar, Patrice Smith and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation 6-7 p.m., Friday, December 19, at New Mt. Moriah Christian Ministry, 676 Christopher St, St. Augustine, Florida

Celebration of Life 12:30 p.m., Saturday, December 20, at New Mt. Moriah Christian Ministry

Interment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery