I first met Willie, as his friends would call him, back in 1965, when we were both in CB-Radio. We became very good friends and began fishing and hunting together as well as riding motorcycles. In 1969 I became interested in Amateur Radio and Willie soon followed, taking his Novice exam in 1973. Willie would earn his Technician and finally his General.
Willie had a heart murmer and had a plastic valve put in his heart in 1975. Willie suffered a stroke in 1980 and ended up in a wheel chair for the rest of his life. Willie sometimes had a difficult time pronoucing words, but would always slow up and take all the time necessary to help others
understand what he was saying. While life was difficult for him, you'd never know it by listening to him. He chatted with his "Ham" friends until he went to his New Home, on March 15,2003. I remained very close friends with Willie and shall miss him greatly.
Willie is survived by his wife Jerrine, two beautiful daughters, a son and many great grandchildren.
73 willie. till we meet again.
(this information provided by W8ZP, Lee Burgess)
I did not know Willie well but I do know that he was a very nice guy.I never heard a bad word said against him and we will all miss him.