Willie Lee Hartley

On Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Willie Lee Hartley, shifted gears on his rig and drove straight into heaven. He was born May 24, 1943 in Scott, Mississippi to the late Mr. and Mrs. Charlie and Rosie Lee Hartley. He was the eighth of ten children. He professed Christ at an early age at Jake Chapel Baptist Church in Greenville, MS. Affectionately known as “Big Daddy” during his childhood, he grew into a gentle giant with a humble spirit. He hung out on corners, in pool halls and arcades. He had a choice to pick cotton or learn how to drive a commercial vehicle. He took to the road and received his commercial driver’s license (CDL).

One Saturday night while hanging out at the VFW Club in Greenville, Mississippi, he met the love of his life, Thelma, and followed her to Memphis, TN where they married and he became the proud father of Ronnie, Kelvin, Jacqueline (Jackie) and Mellony.

He continued to pursue his career, driving commercial trucks on the open highway, hauling freight from one region of the country to another. He once attempted to fly and swore “he would never fly again” but promised Thelma to take her anywhere she wanted to go across country by car. He was passionate about driving across country. He selected the C.B. handle/name of “Wagon Wheel.” He would stop along the way to get a cup of mud (coffee) and grub (food) as he kept trucking up and down the highways picking up and dropping off loads (freight) for the following transportation companies: Gordon, Star, Greyline, Igloo, Greyhound and Trailways. He received the distinguished award for driving safely over one million miles before retiring for health reasons from Consolidated Freight. Wagon Wheel was a member of Teamsters Local 667. He was a member of an elite group of men who hosted a Christmas Ball for all truckers for over 20 years.

Willie also loved fishing but hated insects and taking the fish he caught off the hook. For ten years, he participated in an annual Juke Joint Fishing Trip with his son-in-law Ervin. He was bestowed the honor of “Godfather,” the guardian of the group, because of his senior status. Willie joined Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church in the late 60’s where he remained a dedicated member. He was a member of the Usher Board Ministry for over 20 years and served faithfully until his health failed.

Willie was a very unique hard working and gentle man. He will always be remembered for his love of family, driving on the open road and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings: David, Alex, Charlie, Molly, Joseph, Samuel, Rosie-Mary, Robert and one grandson, Thaddeus Watson.

He leaves a legacy of love and memories: His loving and devoted wife 50+ years, Thelma Hartley; two sons, Ronald Watson (Gloria), Kelvin Watson of Milan, Philippines; two daughters, Jacqueline Smith (Ervin Sr.) and Mellony Blakely (Robert); one sister, Claresa Hartley of Chicago, IL; nine grandchildren, Tameake Elliott (Andre fiancé’), Marcus Brittenum, Ron Watson Jr., Shereka Watson, Courtney Watson, Tarrence Brown, Jasmine Blakely, Memphis, Jocelyn Watson of Nashville, TN, Ervin Smith, Jr. of Bridgeport, Connecticut; ten great- grandchildren; a special niece, Debra “Faye” Hartley of Greenville, MS; Best friend James “Shug” Johnson, Jr. of Greenville, MS, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.