James E Willey

James E. Willey, 90, of Brookland passed from this life on Friday, April 17, 2020 at St. Bernards Medical Center. He was born on December 4, 1929 to the late William and Ola Willey in Brookland, Arkansas.
James was stationed in Okinawa, Japan while he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He served on the USS James E. Keyes Gearing-Class Destroyer in the US Navy. James was a man of God and served as a Deacon for New Antioch Baptist Church for many years before becoming a member of Bethel Station Baptist Church. He was also a Chaplin for the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team, having served during numerous disasters including 9/11 in New York City.
James was a generous man who was always willing to help another person in need. He retired from G.E. after working there for many years as a Maintenance Supervisor. James loved to be outside, whether that meant that he was gardening or walking down the street and helping the individuals that he would meet on his way. In addition to his parents, James is preceded by his wife, Juanita Willey; son, Jimmy Dale Willey; and siblings, Warren Willey D.W. Willey, Simon Willey, Rachel Cummins, Alma Cornelison, and Laurie Robinson.
James is survived by his grandchildren, Sebrena Coleman (Rusty) of Brookland and Michael Kale Willey (Tami) of Wichita, Kansas; sister, Emma Felts; and great grandchildren, Zachary Coleman, Chase Coleman, Emily Coleman, Caleb Coleman, Cade Coleman, Josiah Coleman, Zachary Fletcher, and Nicholas Fletcher.
A graveside service will be held at Woods Chapel Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2020 with Dennis Vowell officiating. The pallbearers will be Zachary Coleman, Chase Coleman, Caleb Coleman, Cade Coleman, Josiah Coleman, and Chris Warren.