Ecclesiastes 3:1-2;” reads: There is a time for everything. And a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.” And, so it was on Sunday, November 15, 2020 that this scripture was fulfilled for our loved one, Willie Lee Rountree, whom God has called home to his eternal rest.
WILLIE LEE ROUNTREE was the second of eight children born to the late Charlie, Jr. and Ethel Sampson Rountree, in Burke County, Midville, GA. As a youngster, he attended the public schools of Burke County. He enriched his life further by completing a program at Aiken Technical School. He was a lifelong entrepreneur and embraced self-sufficiency and economic independence as a life goal. His constant vigil provided the framework and motivation for his work ethic. His motto was “If God gives me life, health and strength, I will go to work today.” He engaged in several successful businesses. At the age of 27 he opened a cleaning company (Wil-Kleen), which provided the funding for the rebuilding of a community grocery store (Chestnut Minit Market) that had been destroyed during the 1970 Riots. However, the latest and most enduring venture for him was establishing Best Way Septic Services that has provided dependable services for over twenty two years throughout the CSRA. This operation has grown into a family business where his legacy will be carried on in the future by members of his immediate family.
He accepted Christ at an early age and was mentored by a beloved grandmother , Cora as she lived her Christian walk serving in the Pine Hill Baptist Church, Midville, GA. After he relocated to Augusta, his Christian commitment led him to join the newly organized Belle Terrace Presbyterian Church and the record shows that he was an original Elder in that church.
The major highlight in his life was meeting and marrying the person that he affectionally called his life partner, Carol Elizabeth Bessent of Gough, GA. They were married on November 22, 1969. The couple enjoyed 50 years of marriage and family life together being the proud parents to four sons and three precious grandsons. It would be safe to say that growing up in the Rountree household on Barrett Street, there was never a dull moment.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie, Jr. and Ethel Sampson Rountree, an infant sister and his oldest brother, Sammie Rountree.
The memory of Willie Lee Rountree will be cherished by his wife, Carol Bessent Rountree; four sons, Geoffrey (Kanika), Atlanta, GA; Patrick (Wangui “Kui”) of Augusta; Darryl (Angelina), Oakland, CA; Marc (Brittney), North Augusta, S.C.; three grandsons, Jadon, Kai and Marc Rountree. His surviving siblings are John Rountree (Maxey), Bobbie Jean Laughinghouse (Kenneth), Harold Rountree, Freeman Rountree (Ann) and Ruby Lee and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Graveside services will be held Friday, November 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at J. S. Gough Family Cemetery, Gough, Georgia, with Minister Roeshone Scott, officiating. Viewing will be held Thursday, November 19, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Social distancing will be observed and mask are required.
W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706)722-6401.
