Willie "Junior" Housey Obituary (1941

Willie, "Junior" Housey, 72, of Springfield, MA, passed away Friday, May 30, 2014 peacefully at home. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 pm, Friday, June 6th at Puerta Del Cielo(r), 730 State Street, Springfield, MA. Willie was born on August 10, 1941 in Garnett, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Willie Washington and the late Irabelle (Housey) Washington-White. He was educated in Garnett Schools. He worked as construction laborer and as a licensed asbestos remover, the latter of which it should be noted, Willie went back to school to obtain certification, something he and his family were extremely proud of. This certification allowed him to earn the role of foreman and lead others. Willie was a dedicated family man, always putting his family first. In the eyes of his children and those who knew him, he was the family "Foundation Layer", a title he wore with pride. He transformed this pride into a passion for teaching others, passing on many life-long lessons to all he knew and everyone he encountered. What made this passion for teaching so special was that Willie didn't always have to be the teacher. He was a willing student, believing in others and in what he could learn from them. There were numerous times he would say, "Today, I am learning from you..." In addition to his passion for teaching, Willie loved taking long walks, fishing, and enjoying nature. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time with his brothers riding motorcycles and playing music in their band; his guitar always by his side. What else could Willie do? He was a great cook! Willie strived for righteousness and preservation of life, something he held near and dear to his heart and hoped to pass on to his children and everyone who crossed his path. Willie is survived by his wife Minnie Housey; their three sons: Robert L. Housey, Patrice L. Housey and Kwame Housey; their three daughters: Retha J. Pam, Sandra E. Housey and Patricia Johnson-Housey; seven grandchildren: Tramesa D. Housey, Jermaine Pam, Teresa C. Myers, Robert C. Housey, Jonathan T. Housey, Joshua A. Addison, and Taylor Housey, all of Springfield, MA; five great grandchildren: Nastassja Z. Lowe, London O. Lowe, Josiah I. Pam, Sydnee A. Lowe, and Baby Lowe, also all of Springfield, MA; eight brothers: Nathan Housey of Greenville, SC, Henry L. Washington of Springfield, MA, Josephus Housey of Springfield, MA, John H. Housey of Easley, SC, Franklin Housey of Springfield, MA, Wesley White, Sr. of Springfield, MA, Charles White of Springfield, MA, and Arthur White of Springfield, MA; one sister: Mary D. White of Springfield, MA, and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Willie Washington and Irabelle H. White, his son Willie Anthony Housey, and his brother James Housey. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family at PO Box 80283, c/o Patrice Housey, Springfield, MA 01138.