Willie James Williams

Willie, known by his family and many friends as “Pete”, was born October 14, 1946 in Haines City, Florida, to Charles and Mattie Williams. Willie was the third born of ten siblings, all of whom moved to Phoenix, Arizona as children, where strong family bonds were formed that lasted a lifetime. He attended South Mountain High School, where he was a talented sprint runner on the track team. During his teenage years, Willie spent time with friends at Phoenix Union High School, and it was there that he met the love of his young life, his high school sweetheart, Ruby Maxwell. Completely smitten, Willie would regularly visit the school just to buy Ruby lunch. Their love grew quickly, and they married as teenagers, welcoming four children into their union.

A devoted provider, Willie worked several jobs to support his family. In his early twenties, he put his natural talents in the kitchen to use, becoming a professional cook at Squaw Peak Bowling Alley. He later began a long and dedicated career with Loomis Armored Services, where he worked faithfully for 31 years before retiring. Willie also served Phoenix Greyhound Park, retiring after 32 years as Chief of Security, Unit 1—a testament to his strong work ethic and commitment.

Later in life, Willie married Penny Allison Williams, and together they shared 32 wonderful years of marriage. They bonded deeply over their love of sports, especially football. Despite Penny’s best efforts, Willie remained loyal to his beloved Chicago Bears, never wavering to cheer for her Green Bay Packers. He was also an enthusiastic fan of baseball and basketball, always enjoying the excitement of the game.

In his free time, Willie found joy at the shooting range, where he was an awarded marksman and sharpshooter. He was also a skilled bowler, participating in several bowling leagues and proudly collecting trophies over the years.

Most importantly, Willie was a faithful servant of the Church of Christ throughout his life. He served as a song leader for many years, attending the Roeser Road and Tonto Street congregations on Sundays and Wednesday nights. Even when his health declined, Willie’s heart longed to be in worship, praising God through song. He often shared that worship and fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ made him feel better. In his later years, as his eyesight worsened, Willie did not allow it to stop him from leading the congregation in his favorite hymns—songs he knew by heart and sang with deep devotion.

Willie will be remembered for his warm sense of humor and his ability to find joy in everyday life, keeping family and friends laughing. He expressed his love through cooking, especially during Thanksgiving, when he proudly prepared the big family meal. His banana pudding, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, and 7-Up cake became treasured favorites that will be dearly missed.

Above all, Willie’s legacy is one of love, faith, laughter, and devotion to family—a life well lived and deeply cherished by all who knew him.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charlie James, Nathaniel, Samuel; his sisters, Cora Bell Talbert, Ola Mae Boston, Charlene Gilbert, Dorothy Davis, Allene Williams, Betty Williams; and, his loving wife, Penny.

He leaves to cherish his memory, youngest brother, Andrew Williams, Las Vegas, NV; children, Willie Williams, Jr. (Carol); Mary Ann Eggleston (Timothy), Jerry Williams (Carla), Crystal Headd; 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation service will be held at Tonto Church of Christ, located at 1101 W Tonto St, Phoenix, AZ 85007, on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The funeral service will follow at the same location from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

The burial will take place at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, located at 2300 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85009, from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm on the same day.