Willie Futrell Jr.

On December 1, 2025, God called His faithful servant, Willie Futrell, Jr., home.

Willie was born on June 16, 1936, in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, to the late Willie Futrell, Sr., and Lavinia Futrell. He accepted Christ at an early age, and it was in church that he met his beloved wife.  After they wed, the couple moved to the Peninsula, where they built their life together in faith, family, and community.  Willie joined Zion Baptist Church on December 13, 1981, where he remained a devoted and faithful member for many years. He served diligently in both the Usher and Greeters Ministries, welcoming everyone with his warm smile and humble spirit.

A true all-around maintenance man, Willie drove and maintained the church van, cared for the church grounds, and assisted with repairs, always eager to serve his church family in any way he could.

Known for his strong work ethic and deep sense of responsibility, Willie was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company until his retirement on January 2, 1996. Upon retiring, he humorously thanked God for “36 years, 11 months, 2 hours and 40 minutes” of service, an expression of the pride he took in providing for his family.

In his younger years, Willie was a passionate racecar driver. He loved working on cars and proudly considered himself a “master mechanic.” Friends, neighbors, and co-workers sought him out whenever their cars needed attention, knowing he treated every vehicle as if it were his own. A skilled carpenter and a true “jack of all trades,” he found joy in remodeling his home, always striving to make it more comfortable and welcoming for his family.

Beyond his own household, Willie was a father figure to many and a pillar of his neighborhood. He was always ready with a helping hand or a listening ear. He was especially known for his dazzling Christmas lights, which brightened the block each year and became a beloved neighborhood tradition. Without him, the community will shine just a little less brightly.

Willie was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of more than 60 years, Mazie Reid Futrell; his parents, Willie Sr. and Lavinia Futrell; his brother, Klifton Vann; and his grandson, Ryan Sargent.

Left to cherish his memory are three sons: Jerry (Betty) of Hampton, VA; Rodney (Pearl) of Hampton, VA; and Gary (Aldria) of Tallahassee, FL; two daughters: Darlene Chinn and Clementine Futrell, both of Chesterfield, VA; twelve grandchildren: Nicole Fleming, Michael Chinn II, Amanda Sargent-Lewis, Valerie Fleming Tillies, Brian Sargent, Heather Futrell, Marie Warr, Jessica Towns, Selena Towns, DwanRichardson, Ashante Hamilton and Isaac Richardson; sixteen great-grandchildren: DeAya Lewis, JaNaea Lewis, CarleiseLewis, Carlos Lewis, Akaila Lewis, Lola Crocker, Legend Futrell, Donavenn Chinn, Isabella Chinn, Seneca Tillies, Matthew Hamilton, Jr., Zaina Hamilton, Keyshawn Richardson, Kamari Richardson, Christopher Walden Jr. and Christian Walden; one great-great grandchild: Leah Martinez; one sister, Evelyn Williams of Philadelphia, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who loved him dearly.

Willie had a quiet presence, a steady hand, and a heart that gave without measure. His legacy lives on in all those whose lives he touched.

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