Willie E. Jones

He attended Harris High School in Meridian, and graduated at the age of 16.

His friends knew him as Chick. He received this nickname because he liked chicken wings when he was young.

He joined the Navy on June 30, 1943, and was Honorably Discharged on March 7, 1946, as a Radio Operator, at the rank of Coxswain.

After the Navy, he became a nurse at the Long Beach V.A. Hospital. Later, he receive training to become an X-ray Technician. In 1972, he transferred to the Loma Linda V.A. Hospital, where he retired in 1986.

Willie married Odessa Fobbs, on October 20, 1951, at Saint Joseph’s Church in Los Angeles. They made Los Angeles their home, and raised their two sons, Philip and Stephen. Willie owned a small trailer and would often take his family on camping trips in the Perris area. The family enjoyed the location so much, they eventually decided to relocate there. In 1972, they purchased a house in Playa Del Ray, Los Angeles; and moved it to the City of Perris.

After moving to Perris, he transformed the family’s newly purchased land into an oasis with a swimming pool and beautiful landscaping. On this land, he sectioned off a small portion for farming. He raised chickens for their eggs, pigs, and at one time, a cow. He grew collard greens, tomatoes, grapes, and green beans. He also planted various fruit trees. Chick had many hobbies, which included fishing, repairing watches for friends and coworkers; and riding his 10 speed bike around the neighborhood.

Willie is survived by:

Wife: Odessa

Sons: Philip & Stephen

Daughter-in-Law: Kathleen

Grandsons: Stephen & Matthew

Nieces: Renee, Claudette, June, & Leslie

A viewing will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015 from 11:00-1:00 PM in Laurelwood at Montecito Mortuary with a Funeral Mass at 2:00 PM at All Souls Mausoleum with entombment to follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Colton, California.