Willie Melvin Locke's Obituary
Willie Melvin Locke, 72, of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Andrea’s Personal Care Home. He was a 1970 graduate of Marshall High School, Evergreen, AL. He received his B.S. degree in Industrial Arts from Alabama A&M University in 1975. Willie served proudly in the United States Naval Reserves with over 20 years of service. He volunteered doing funeral detail for military funerals in Chattanooga, Northern Georgia and Alabama. He was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member of Club Ministry #7, Family Ministry #2, and an honorary member of the culinary ministry where he enjoyed being spoiled and fed by some of the ladies on the committee, especially Margaret, Sandra, Pecola and Tuesday. He was a former member of the PTA/PTSO at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School, Tyner Middle, and Tyner Academy. Willie was also a Mason and Shriner as well as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Willie was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie L. Locke; sisters, Wilma Johnson, Rosa Miller, Rachael Locke and Elise Mae Black; brothers, Edward Locke and Larry Locke; niece Phyllis Johnson Smith. Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Cheryl W. Locke; son, Brian Locke (Shaquanta); daughter, Lindsey Locke(Karlos Ward), both of Chattanooga, TN; five grandchildren, Brian, Jason, Jaxson, Skyler and Grayson; sisters, Mary Locke of Evergreen, AL, Ida Crooks of Pensacola, FL, Mavis Booker and Martha Booker (West), both of Evergreen, AL; brother, Willie Riley Holder of Evergreen, AL; sister-in-law, Lorreta Vinson (Tom), Elizabeth Ragland, Patricia Washington-Ruff (Reginald), Shanta Morrison (Bruce), Sheila Johnson (Cedric), brothers -in-law, Henry Washington (Minnie), Mac Washington (Michelle), and Kimberlye Locke; special relatives, Diane Fair, Anthony Noguera, LaToyia Walker, Vera Locke, and Sarah North; like-a-mother, Marie Bailey and Annie B. Moon, adopted sister, Barabara Ann Roberts; birthday buddy Sharon Kennard; special friends, Jimmy Tarver, Eddie Penny, Ivan Dunton and Kenneth Riley; Spiritual Mentor Deacon Edward Freeman, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Willie encouraged and touched the lives of many in his personal and professional life. He worked as a shop and social studies teacher for three years at Elbert Long Junior High, as an industrial engineer for 17 years at SCT Yarns, and for 10 years as a coach/manager for Sears E & M. He spent many weekends as a scorekeeper for softball and baseball teams at Warner Park. He coached his daughter’s softball team as well as served as Boy Scout Leader for his son’s troop. He enjoyed watching NFL football, listening to old time gospel music and Motown Sounds, watching his son play football for Tyner Academy and remained a supporter of the team until his health declined. Eating Mayfield’s vanilla ice cream with Lays plain potato chips or Oreos or any other sweet was a favorite past time. He loved his family, visiting in Evergreen, AL, and his high school and college classmates. All of his grandchildren were special to him, but Grayson, the youngest was his sidekick and partner in crime. Willie will lie-in-state on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon with Minister Ronald Harris as the eulogist. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga Inc. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Signal Centers of Chattanooga, T or the National Kidney Foundation.
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