Willie L. Luckett Jr.

Today, we honor the life of Willie Lee Luckett, Jr., a man whose life was a testament to the power of a positive mindset and an unwavering belief in what is possible. Born on May 21, 1932, in Sunflower County, (Blaine) Mississippi, Willie's journey began with a westward family migration to San Antonio, Texas, where a broken-down truck led his family to settle and build a new life. He graduated from Wheatly High School in 1949 and attended St. Phillips College for a year before beginning his remarkable 40-year career at Roadway Express Trucking Company.

Willie was a living example of what it means to be a provider and a man of great values. He once said at the dinner table, "If the good Lord blesses me with good health, you will never have to worry about food on the table," a promise he dedicated his life to keeping. His hard work as a truck driver was not just a job; it was his commitment to his family. He drove millions of miles accident-free and earned significant recognition for his perfect attendance. After the teamsters won a discrimination lawsuit against Roadway, Willie's long-haul opportunity opened up, and the settlement award became the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures.

Willie's life story is a powerful lesson in self-reliance and ambition. Though he dropped out of college to start and support his family, he never stopped learning. He was an entrepreneur at heart, and after retiring from trucking, he pursued his dream. He became a successful real estate broker, which led him to acquire and build multi-unit rental properties. His innate business intelligence and "can-do" attitude were evident in every venture. He taught himself carpentry, contracting, plumbing, and other skills to build a triplex and maintain his multiple rental properties. When he saw an opportunity in the telecommunications industry, he started a payphone company with over 100 locations, teaching himself how to install and repair phones without any formal training. He handled all the accounting, tax preparation, and financial planning for his businesses, performing as if he had a master's degree in business administration.

Willie believed that education was the key to success, and his goal was to provide his children, Roslyn and Wayne, with a foundation of positivity so they could be even more successful in life than he was. His life is a beacon for us all, proving that with determination, a positive mindset, and a commitment to family, there is truly nothing you cannot do. Willie was an active member of St Paul Methodist church in San Antonio and served in the capacity as Church Steward.

During Willie’s spare time, he mastered the art of Barbeque with his smoked brisket and baby back ribs and became known as the Grill Father and Pitmaster at family gatherings. His favorite sport was fishing and was proud to catch the largest prizing winning Red Snapper (Sow) during a deep-sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. He was truly a man for all seasons!

Willie is survived by his wife, Alva Jones Luckett of Breaux Bridge, LA; his brother, Earl Luckett (Fannie) of Crest Hill, IL; his son, Wayne Luckett (Patricia) of Missouri City, TX; his daughter, Roslyn Luckett Boyce (Russell) of Houston, TX; his grandsons, Warren Luckett (Karinn) of Atlanta, GA, Brandon Luckett (Camilla) of Missouri City, TX, and Taylor Boyce of Houston, TX; and his great-grandchildren, Arianna, Wrexley, and Bjorn; his nieces, Garnell Harris (John) of San Antonio, Norma Boney of Houston, Kimberly Hill (Mike) of Seattle, WA, Symone Luckett of Chicago, IL, Seresa Hartwell, Sherrylyn Jones, Patricia Woods, Carlie Gipson, Joy Collier, Dezne Gaye Jackson of California, Trudy Cusack of New Mexico and Marsha Collier of Hawaii; and his nephews, Odie Davis III (Jamette) of San Antonio, Clarence Evans, Jimmy Hartwell and John Collier of California, Brad Hartwell of Nevada and Emil Luckett of Illinois and stepsons: Kurt, Ken and Kyle Jones of Louisiana. Willie will be remembered by his extended family, cherished friends, coworkers and business partners. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Lee Luckett, and siblings: Margaret Collier, Oscar Mitchell, Ila Mae Ruffin, Garfield Mitchell, Marie Harris, Lillian Luckett and Eugene Luckett.