Willie Melvin Locke
Willie Melvin Locke, 72, of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Andrea’s Personal Care Home.
He was a 1970 graduate of Marshall High School, Evergreen, AL. He received his B.S. degree in Industrial Arts from Alabama A&M University in 1975. Willie was a member of the United States Naval Reserves with over 20 years of service. He was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member of Club Ministry #7, and an honorary member of the culinary ministry. He was a former member of the PTA/PTSO at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School, Tyner Middle, and Tyner Academy. Willie was also a Mason and Shriner as well as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
Willie was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie L. Locke; sisters, Wilma Johnson, Rosa Miller, Rachael Locke and Elise Mae Black; brothers, Edward Locke and Larry Locke; niece Phyllis Johnson Smith.
Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Cheryl W. Locke; son, Brian Locke (Shaquanta); daughter, Lindsey Locke (Karlos Ward), both of Chattanooga, TN; five grandchildren, Brian, Jason, Jaxson, Skyler and Grayson; sisters, Mary Locke of Evergreen, AL, Ida Crooks of Pensacola, FL, Mavis Booker and Martha Booker (West), both of Evergreen, AL; brother, Willie Riley Holder of Evergreen, AL; sister-in-law, Lorreta Vinson (Tom), Elizabeth Ragland, Patricia Washington-Ruff (Reginald), Shanta Morrison (Bruce), Sheila Johnson (Cedric); brothers-in-law, Henry Washington (Minnie) and Mac Washington (Michelle); special relatives, Diane Fair, Anthony Noguera, LaToyia Walker, Vera Locke, and Sarah North; like-a-mother, Marie Bailey and Annie B. Moon; adopted sister, Barbara Ann Roberts; birthday buddy Sharon Kennard; special friends, Jimmy Tarver, Eddie Penny, and Kenneth Riley; Spiritual Mentor Deacon Edward Freeman; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
Willie will lie in state on Wednesday, March 13, at 10 a.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church.
Funeral services will follow at noon with Minister Ronald Harris as the eulogist.
Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga Inc.