Mr. Willie Manning

of Indianapolis, passed away September 30, 2013. Born on October 26, 1933 to the late Willie Manning, Sr. and Isabelle Ledford Manning in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Willie was the oldest of seven children: Kathleen, Rosa Mae, Odessa, James Thomas (Mary)…all who preceded him in death…, Walter (Mimi) Manning. and Cynthia (Nazeeh) Abdullah.

His elementary education began in Hopkinsville. At the age of 10, Willie moved to Indianapolis to live with his grandparents, Luke and Utha Manning, who raised him until adulthood. He completed his education here, graduating from Crispus Attucks High School in 1952. He was drafted into the Army in 1954 and honorably discharged in 1962. Daddy said that he travelled all over the world while in the army. Willie confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized in the White River as a member of Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church by Pastor Dillard.

Willie was united in marriage to Betty Lou Brooks in 1953. To this union his oldest daughter, LaNita Renee (Geoffrey) Jones was born. He married the love of his life, Zephra Marie Rankin, in January 1957. Four children were born to this union: Andrea Jean, Rickey Lee (Cheryl), Derek Glenn and Francene (Barry) Johnson. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Willie and Zephra celebrated 56 years of marriage this past January.

After his military service, Willie was employed several years by Kingan & Co, which later merged with Hygrade. In 1968, Willie received two great job offers on the same day: one with the US Postal Service and one with Chrysler. He chose Chrysler because �"they pay every week”. He remained at Chrysler until his retirement in 1998.

Willie enjoyed hosting family gatherings at his home. .He loved to play cards and sing: singing in the youth choir at church and in a quartet while in the service in France. He loved singing with his cousin, Robert Lee Hester, and his brother-in-law, Clifford Perry (both who preceded him in death). Even until his death, you would hear him pulling up something from the 50’s or an old gospel hymn. He never forgot a lyric. He was a guest at Joy’s House for the past two and a half years where �"Mr. Willie” was admired by all. He loved to entertain them with his singing.

Willie is survived by his wife, brother, sister, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a hosts of cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

As Daddy would say, �"Oh, Boy!”