Willie W. Mobley (Bill), 99, of Deltona passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Advent Heath Hospice Care, Orange City. He was born in Daytona Beach, FL to Washington Mobley and Ethel Rowe. Following his mother’s death when he was 18 months old, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Steve and Della Jones and reared in New Jersey.
During WWII, as a young teenager, he enlisted in the US Army and served on the first African American squad to land on the beaches in Normandy in 1944. Bill spent 3 years in the Army during the war. Upon return to the states, he reunited with family in FL and NJ, this time being drafted for an additional 4 years.
Following his second stint in the Army, Bill spent 40 years in Connecticut. He was known as a hard worker and was a familiar face working local catering events and managing a dry cleaner. In his last 10 years there, he was Fleet Manager with TIMEX Corp. Bill relocated to Deltona in 1981 where he has spent the last 40 years of his life. In semi-retirement, he held jobs with Volusia County Schools and Sanford International Airport. He has been active in the Elks Club, the United Methodist Church, and the YMCA.
Bill often stated his most valuable asset was his family. He loved spending time with his family, sharing memories, talking, fishing, and playing cards.
Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha Ruth Mobley of Deltona with whom he had daughter, Tiffanie Mosely (James) of Kennesaw, GA. In his previous marriage, Bill had four daughters, Trudy Fowler (John) of Woodstock, GA; Deborah Nance of Deland, FL; Phyllis Eugene (Melvin) of Plano, TX and (1) stepdaughter, Gail Shanklin of Bridgeport, CT. One brother, Charles Mobley; 10 Grandchildren; 4 Great Grand Children and a host of nieces and nephews.
Bill is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Patricia Eaddy; his son-in-law, Stanley Nance; both parents; his aunt and uncle who raised him; one sister and three bothers.
He always told his family to give him his flowers while he lived, and they have spent their lifetimes doing just that.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1 PM Monday, December 27, 2021 with a reception to follow at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Blvd. Orange City, Florida 32763.
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