Willie Frank Rosser was born May 19, 1938, in Newnan, Georgia, and raised by his beloved grandmother, Willena Bohannon Rosser, and grandfather, Elbert Rosser. His grandparents, who farmed land in rural Coweta County, placed an early emphasis on Willie’s education. He excelled in math and science but also was a member of the Literary Club in high school. He competed on the track team his junior and senior year.
Willie graduated from the Central High School class of 1957. He went to Tuskegee University for one year before joining the United States Army in 1958. After four years of military service, Willie went to Fort Valley State College where he was affectionately known as “Big Bill.”
Willie was a hardworking man and generous provider for his family. After college, he was employed as a research technician at Emory University in Atlanta before his 27-year career as a truck driver (1972-1999). He drove three years for Batesville Casket Company, often taking his girls with him on runs throughout the South during the summer months, and then drove the next 24 years for Roadway Express out of Atlanta and Valdosta. He retired from full-time employment in 1999. However, he soon found himself back on the road as a part-time bus driver for Valdosta City Schools. Willie also served as a volunteer bus driver picking up neighborhood children for church programs at Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, where he was baptized.
Willie grew up attending church but came to true faith much later in life, responding to God’s grace, goodness and generosity with a life of sacrifice and service. Always quick to share his testimony, he served faithfully in spirit and in truth with humility and conviction. Willie and his loving wife, Diane Rosser, have been active members of Glen Haven Baptist Church for 15 years – singing in the choir, volunteering for the Good News after-school program, serving breakfast for Timber Ridge Elementary School teachers, feeding the homeless in downtown Atlanta, giving an encouraging word and opening up their home. Willie enjoyed hitting the open road with Diane and extended family in his RV and spending time with the Road Runners Ministry.
Willie stayed on the narrow road that leads to life and finished his race. The Lord called him home on September 26, 2023. His time on earth was 85 years. But Willie will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Willie is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Diane Rosser; his daughters Felecia Rosser Theune (Demetrius) and Danita Rosser-Lane (Reginald) and their mother Evelyn Crawford Rosser; granddaughter Sarah Theune; nephew Marcus Rosser; nieces Aiesha Jackson and Tina Goode; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his mother Emma Brown; grandparents Elbert and Willena Rosser; and brothers, Sammie Lee Rosser and Donnell Brown.
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