Family will accept love, support, and donations to this charity: https://puccdetroit.org/donations-2/ in care of Willie and Mary Wilson.

Willie Manuel Wilson was born on April 4, 1939, in Longview, Texas and departed this life on August 14, 2026, at the age of 87. His Aunt, Cora Bell Netherly, adopted him in her heart and raised him as her son.

Willie was a man of substance and purpose whose life journey reflected excellence across many roles. He was a loving brother, son and husband, devoted father and grandfather, educator, businessman, fraternity brother, and decorated United States Army Captain. Those who knew him will remember his quiet strength, dignified presence, thoughtful spirit, and enduring commitment to doing things with excellence.

On April 6, 1965, Willie married the love of his life, Mary Wilson. Their marriage stood as a beautiful testimony of love for more than sixty-one years.

Willie was the proud father of two daughters, Melissa Jones, and Karen Wilson. He was also a cherished father-in-law to Charles Jones and a beloved grandfather to Cionne Jones, Charles Jones Jr., and Joshua Wilson. He had one sister and two brothers, Alexis, Alvin, and Charles Moore.

Willie was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He enrolled in The University of Texas in Austin during the Fall in 1957, the second year of undergraduate desegregation. He became a member of the first line of Epsilon Iota Chapter A Phi A, Inc. in December of 1958.

Willie honorably served in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Captain and serving as a helicopter pilot, platoon leader, operations officer, and flight detachment commander, with responsibilities that included aviation, combat operational planning and training, and command of a Special Forces detachment. His courageous service in Vietnam earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Third Oak Leaf Cluster and Valor Device, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, along with the Parachutist Badge and Army Aviator Badge—lasting symbols of his bravery, leadership, and sacrifice.

A lifelong learner, Willie placed a high value on education. He earned a Master’s degree in English Education from Wayne State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He also earned the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation.

Willie’s civilian career was equally impressive. He worked as a Marketing Representative for Aetna Life and Casualty from 1969 to 1972. He later owned and managed Camelot Insurance Agency, where he handled property and casualty insurance services, claims oversight, underwriting and legal coordination, and agency operations. In addition, Willie devoted twenty-five years to education as a Teacher with the Detroit Board of Education from 1980 to 2005, where he implemented English curriculum and helped students strengthen communication and learning skills. His professional life reflected discipline, intelligence, patience, and service.

His faith was a meaningful part of his life as well. Willie served as Sunday School Superintendent at Plymouth United Church of Christ from 2009 to 2011, and was later honored for his service and dedication. In all that he did, Willie carried a spirit of humility, duty, and care for others.

Willie Manuel Wilson also leaves to cherish his memory, a host of extended family members, fraternity brothers, church family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all those whose lives were touched by his example.

Well done, good and faithful servant.