Wilner Etienne, affectionately known to family and friends as “Big Willie,” was born on September 15, 1951, in Aquin, Haiti, to his mother, Ismelia Etienne. On August 15, 2026 at 9:50pm, Wilner peacefully departed this life.
In 1976, Wilner came to Miami, Florida, where he would build a life centered around hard work, family, and providing for those he loved.
Wilner was a hardworking and dedicated man who believed in earning what you had and taking care of your responsibilities. He devoted 28 years of service to the City of Miami Solid Waste Department before retiring in 2017. His strong work ethic was something he carried throughout his life and passed down to his children. He always taught them the importance of working hard, being respectful, and carrying themselves with dignity.
Although he worked hard, Wilner also knew how to enjoy the simple things in life. He loved listening to music, relaxing with a good cigar, and spending time with the people he loved. Anyone who knew Big Willie also knew that he liked to look and smell good. He took pride in his suits and his cologne and always made sure he stepped out looking like a gentleman.
At heart, Wilner was a simple man whose greatest priority was his family. He showed his love by providing, protecting, and making sure his family was taken care of. Though he may not have always used many words to express his love; his actions spoke for him.
Big Willie will be deeply missed, alongside the values he lived by. The importance of family, hard work, respect, and taking pride in yourself, will continue through the generations he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Aniece Etienne, who passed away in 2011.
Wilner leaves to cherish his memory his longtime companion of more than 40 years and the mother of his children, Marie Joseph; his children, Michaelle Saintfort; Rommel Saintfort (Neonta Saintfort); Wilder Etienne; and Patricia Etienne-Lester (Alicia Lester); and his beloved grandchildren, Mickaella Casseus, Malik Gayot, Omauri McGee, Ny’eimiyah Michelle Saintfort, Avery Dawn Lester, Austin Dawan Lester, and John Wilder Etienne. He also leaves behind a host of family members, extended family, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
