Willie Wortham Jr.

Willie Wortham, Jr. was born in Dillon, South Carolina on July 25, 1926 to the late Willie Wortham, Sr. and Novella McBride Wortham. Willie was an only child and was the delight of his parents’ life together. He passed from this life to eternal life on May 18, 2017.

Willie and his family migrated to Trenton, New Jersey when he was eight years old. He was educated in the Trenton public school system, graduating from Trenton Central High School in June 1947. Willie was a scholar athlete excelling in track and field events as well as academics. While in high school, Willie took a shining to Mildred Marie Rivers but she was not looking his way.

Willie’s high school tenure was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Navy in July 1945. He was responsible even as a young man and sent a monthly allotment to his mother who by then was a single mother. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in June 1946. He resumed and completed his high school education in 1946. Upon graduation, Willie matriculated to college in Virginia where his focus was mechanical drawing.

Willie’s heart was finally made glad when he captured the attention and the heart of Mildred Marie Rivers. The two were married in September 1950. Shortly after their union Willie was again drafted into the military; this time into the United States Army in September 1950. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1952.

Willie and Mildred settled in Trenton, New Jersey. They are the proud parents of Kevin Wayne Wortham, born in May 1965. Kevin honors his father as a good father, mentor and buddy.

Willie was gainfully employed at General Motors as a pipe fitter in November 1952. Willie was a dedicated employee until he retired from General Motors in June 1989.

Willie was a strong, devoted Christian man of God. Throughout his Christian walk he served in many capacities including Trustee, choir member and van driver. He was most recently a faithful member of Turning Point United Methodist Church where he served as usher extraordinaire.

Willie Wortham is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Mildred Marie, his son Kevin Wayne, and a host of loving relatives, friends, and caregivers who will cherish his memory.

Funeral service will be 11am Sat., May 27, 2017 at Turning Point United Methodist Church 15 S. Broad St. Trenton, NJ. Calling hours will be 9am until time of service at the church. Arrangements are by the Hughes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Turning Point United Methodist Church P.O. Box 1446. Trenton, NJ 08608 or Minding Our Business P.O. Box 7834 West Trenton, NJ 08628.