Willie was a graduate of El Paso High School. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served eight years in the U.S. Air Force and reached the rank of S/Sgt. He retired from West Texas News Co. as Operations Manager. While employed Willie participated in the Operation Noel with the Herald Post.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Jose (Pepe), Bedoya (Josefine), Josefine Flores (Arnulfo), Ana Maria Ortega (Manny, Sr.), Angelina Mergenthal (Ray), and in-laws Gilbert & (Martha) Dominguez.
Survived by his wife Mary Estrada with whom he had celebrated 64 years of marriage on October 20, 2021; son Eric Lee (Kim), grandchildren Austin Lee and Victoria Lynn Estrada, all of Kingwood, Texas; sister Mary Lou Todd (Ernie+) of Orlando, Florida; sisters-in-law Delia Silva (Martin+), Mansfield, Texas, Toni Duron (Hector+) and Lily Dominguez (Luis “Chito”) all of El Paso, Texas.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital or to a favorite charity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Estrada family.