Willie Lee King, affectionally known by family and friends as "Wabalo”, was born Dec. 14, 1942 to the late Floyd King Sr. and Ora Lee King (nee James) of Jackson. After a brief battle with illness, Willie Lee entered into eternal rest Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, while at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, Miss.

Willie Lee grew up in Jackson AOH Church under the leadership of Bishop M.L. Lily and other pastors of the church. He received his education at Harper High School in Jackson. Willie Lee later married Martha Louise King (nee Morris) and moved to New York where he was initially employed by JFK International Airport. He became a member and shop steward for 32B-J Union. He was an active member in his union, where he furthered his career transferring through his union to work in the Wakeman and Cushfield offices. Retiring following 32 years of service, he moved back home with his wife to Jackson, later moving to Gulfport, Miss., where he entered into eternal rest.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Louise King; his daughter, Kisha King; and five brothers, Walter Lee King, Aberdeen King, Melvin King Sr., Henry King and Floyd King Jr.

Left to forever cherish his memory is his son, Gary of New Castle, Del.; six daughters, Taucha of Gulfport, Miss., Kemuioda (Kim) of Perth Amboy, N.J., Ora of Yonkers, N.Y., Virginia of Queens, N.Y., Latanya of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jessica of Gulfport, Miss.; one son-in-law, Kenric Chavis of Perth Amboy, N.J.; one daughter-in-law, Carlotta Morton of Gulfport, Miss.; one brother, Joseph King of Dallas, Texas; two sisters, Queen Esther Rodgers of Queens, N.Y., and Geneva King Muse of Jackson; two brothers -in-law, Lloyd Muse of Jackson and Leroy Kearse of Brooklyn, NY.; four sisters-in-law, Mary Kearse of Brooklyn, NY., Cealie Ann James of Nashville, TN., Shirley King of Jackson and Sharon King of Dallas, Texas; 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Willie also leaves to cherish his memory his companion of 10 years, Ms. Vera Jackson of Jackson, AL.