Mr. Willie Samuel Dorn Sr.

Willie Samuel Dorn, Sr., aka “Jack” was born June 15, 1922 in Saluda, South Carolina to the late Lonnie Gus and Lula Mae Dorn. He departed this earth on Monday, August 24, 2015 at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Maryland. During his early life, he lived with his parents, four brothers and four sisters in Saluda, South Carolina. After completing his education in 1940, he moved to Washington DC. He met and married his beloved wife, the late Helen Butler Dorn in 1943. The love that they shared brought forth six children and was shared with a nephew, who they raised as a son. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and friend. Jack always had a kind word and a smile for everyone he met. Although Jack never became a Jehovah Witness, he was always very supportive and respectful of his wife and his children who worshiped as Witnesses. In addition to supporting his family, Jack served his country and community. He joined the U. S. Army and served in World War II with tours in Germany and Korea. His duties included transporting prisoners of war while protecting his comrades. After his military service, Jack returned to his family in Washington, DC and held the position of Shop Steward and Union Representative for the Construction General Laborer’s Local Union 74 until he retired. In that work, he was instrumental on the construction teams that built Howard University Hospital, Landover Mall, St. Joseph’s Church, and Wheaton Plaza. He was a hard and dedicated worker and it showed throughout his entire career. With Jack, life was lived to the fullest. He enjoyed music and never missed an opportunity to get on any dance floor, especially at the wedding receptions of his children and grandchildren. He also was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins football team as well as the Washington Senators and the current Washington Nationals baseball teams. His special joy was driving Cadillac cars and was affectionately known as “Cadillac Jack” by many friends. He is survived by his six children Willie, Jr. (Lillian); Calvin (Gwendolyn); and Harvey Dorn (Patricia); Patricia Williams (Michael); Sarah Foster (the late William); Carlotta Ashton (Tony); nephew, Abdur-Rahim Aleem; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren; three great, great grandchildren; sister-in-law Rosa Mae Coates; and a host of other relatives and friends.