The youngest of 5 siblings, he was lovingly called “Big Boy” by his father. His mother nicknamed him her little “Dump” during her pregnancy and later called him Dumpy as he was widely known. Damon gravitated towards music naturally, and as a young child would beat on his mother’s pots and pans in the kitchen floor. His mother would often take him to funerals with her, later inspiring his love of funeral services. As a teenager, he was the family babysitter for his nieces and nephews, often creating obstacle courses and taking them on “field trips” to keep them entertained. Damon attended Green Run High School where he was 1st chair for the snare drum in band, played varsity baseball and graduated in 1990. He also attended Norfolk State University, where he majored in Engineering.
Damon loved and had a great passion for assisting and serving others in their time of need and bereavement. He worked in funeral services with SCI for over 15 years, starting out as part of the grounds team for Princess Anne Memorial Park in Virginia Beach and later attending school to become a funeral director. After his apprenticeship, he served as a Family Service Director at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Suffolk, VA. He later took on the role of Family Services Director and Counselor for both Princess Anne Memorial Park and Rosewood Memorial Park in Virginia Beach.
Damon loved traveling and seeking new adventures and was known for his sharp clothing and debonair swag. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and often cheered his team on in full team attire, both at home and when he travelled to see them play. He was the proud father of 3 girls, Heaven, Brandi and Aliyah and took great pride in their accomplishments, encouraging them to become independent young women. He loved his family, his work and his role as the drummer for the Sons of Joy band in Burton at the United House of Prayer For All People. He truly cherished the brotherhood and friendships that he had with “the boys,” as he affectionately called the band. He loved life and could always be found laughing and encouraging others. Damon was a great light in all of our lives and he will truly be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Damon joined his mother and father, Annette and Lee Willie, Sr. in heaven and leaves to mourn: his 3 daughters, Heaven Hodge of East Orange, NJ; Brandi Carter of Va. Beach, VA and Aliyah Matthews of Washington, DC; 3 sisters, Gayle Willie Robinson, Linda Holmes (Timothy) and Maria Teresa Willie of Va. Beach, VA; 1 Brother, Lee Willie, Jr. (Crystal) of Columbia, SC; 1 granddaughter, Majesty Jones of Va. Beach, Va; 5 nieces, April Wright (Glenn) of Greensboro, NC, Jasmine Smith of Chesapeake, VA, Petrice Holmes of Greensboro, NC, Danielle Ruff (Chuck) of Columbia SC and Ronisha Willie of Va. Beach, VA. 3 nephews, Steven Willie (Marlisa) of Clarksburg, MD; Adam Willie and Justin Willie both of Columbia, SC; 3 aunts, Barbara Patterson, Norfolk, VA, Dorothy Ward and Lola Elliott both of Virginia Beach, VA; 3 great nephews and 3 great nieces, 2 god children, Trenton Willie and Jayden Richardson, and a host of family and friends.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 15, 2020, from 12-5pm at Smith & Williams Funeral Home Kempsville Chapel, 4889 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach, VA, 23462.
