Obituary for Willie C. Wash
Willie Charles Wash was born on August 28, 1953 to Emma Wash and Willie Schaeffer in Sunflower, Mississippi.
He was the second of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother James, and his wife Verna. He leaves behind two daughters Lauren and Cori, and his siblings Samuel, Lemark, and Tammy.
Willie graduated from Marshall High School in 1972 and went on to Eastern Illinois University to study Forestry because of his love for the outdoors. He later left school to join the military. Willie was also a gifted athlete, excelling at baseball, football, and basketball throughout his time in high school and college. A history buff, Willie enjoyed reading about African and Black American history, and spent a fair amount of his free time watching documentaries on major historical events. Willie was also a talented artist and often enjoyed drawing cartoons and comic book characters as a child.
Willie served in the United States Navy from 1981 to 1984 and served as a Seabee. Willie was extremely proud of his time in the service, and always wore his Navy and Seabee attire with great honor. He spoke highly of his time in the Navy and was grateful to have traveled and served his country. After leaving the service, Willie worked to support his family in a variety of jobs, most notably spending over twenty years as an officer with the Chicago Police Department’s 18th district. He retired from CPD in January 2016.
Willie married his high school sweetheart Verna on August 29, 1981 and welcomed his two children Lauren and Cori in 1992 and 1998. He was a dedicated family man and a solid and dependable provider for his family. It was an understatement to say that Willie was a hard worker. His daughters are proud to say that Willie C. Wash is their father and are eternally grateful for the life he was able to give them.
Affectionately known as “Wash” to his close friends, Willie was a quiet and gentle soul. He gave so much to others, often sacrificing his own comfort and needs. Willie was a loyal friend and someone you can always trust. Willie will be deeply missed by his family members and friends in Chicago and across the country. He truly touched so many lives in a positive way and was loved by all. He may be physically gone from this world, but his spirit will never leave our hearts.
We love you so much Daddy. Thank you for loving us and taking such good care of us. Thank you for letting us take care of you when you needed it, even if it was hard for you to do so. Words cannot truly express how grateful we are to have you as our dad, and we are broken-hearted to see you leave. This is not goodbye forever – we will see you later.
He was the second of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother James, and his wife Verna. He leaves behind two daughters Lauren and Cori, and his siblings Samuel, Lemark, and Tammy.
Willie graduated from Marshall High School in 1972 and went on to Eastern Illinois University to study Forestry because of his love for the outdoors. He later left school to join the military. Willie was also a gifted athlete, excelling at baseball, football, and basketball throughout his time in high school and college. A history buff, Willie enjoyed reading about African and Black American history, and spent a fair amount of his free time watching documentaries on major historical events. Willie was also a talented artist and often enjoyed drawing cartoons and comic book characters as a child.
Willie served in the United States Navy from 1981 to 1984 and served as a Seabee. Willie was extremely proud of his time in the service, and always wore his Navy and Seabee attire with great honor. He spoke highly of his time in the Navy and was grateful to have traveled and served his country. After leaving the service, Willie worked to support his family in a variety of jobs, most notably spending over twenty years as an officer with the Chicago Police Department’s 18th district. He retired from CPD in January 2016.
Willie married his high school sweetheart Verna on August 29, 1981 and welcomed his two children Lauren and Cori in 1992 and 1998. He was a dedicated family man and a solid and dependable provider for his family. It was an understatement to say that Willie was a hard worker. His daughters are proud to say that Willie C. Wash is their father and are eternally grateful for the life he was able to give them.
Affectionately known as “Wash” to his close friends, Willie was a quiet and gentle soul. He gave so much to others, often sacrificing his own comfort and needs. Willie was a loyal friend and someone you can always trust. Willie will be deeply missed by his family members and friends in Chicago and across the country. He truly touched so many lives in a positive way and was loved by all. He may be physically gone from this world, but his spirit will never leave our hearts.
We love you so much Daddy. Thank you for loving us and taking such good care of us. Thank you for letting us take care of you when you needed it, even if it was hard for you to do so. Words cannot truly express how grateful we are to have you as our dad, and we are broken-hearted to see you leave. This is not goodbye forever – we will see you later.