Deacon Willie Woodrow Gainer, Jr.
Deacon Willie Woodrow Gainer, Jr.
Deacon Willie Woodrow Gainer, Jr., known affectionately as Willie to his friends and loved ones, embarked on his final journey on January 24, 2026, at the Courtyard in Marianna, Florida, after a life rich in love, service, and adventure.
Born on December 16, 1946, in Graceville, Florida, Willie's life was a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.
Willie's early years were spent in the nurturing environment of Graceville, where he was surrounded by a close-knit community that would shape his values and guide his path. His graduation from Saint Paul High School in 1965, as part of the spirited "The Mighty Mega Tones" class, marked the beginning of a life dedicated to excellence and camaraderie.
Willie's adventurous spirit led him to serve his country with honor and distinction in the United States Marine Corps. His tours in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968, and later at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were not merely periods of military service but chapters in a life story of courage and patriotism. Willie's roles as Gunner, Rifleman, and Ammo Man were carried out with the utmost dedication, earning him the title of "A Proud Veteran."
Beyond his military accomplishments, Willie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His love for playing cards, dominoes, and lotto, coupled with his passion for traveling and attending family reunions, reflected a man who cherished every moment.
On a beautiful day, Thursday, February 14, 2008, Willie's heart was joined in Holy Matrimony with his beloved wife, Mamie Fuller. Together, they created a tapestry of love that extended to their families, enriching Willie's life with the laughter of step-grandchildren and the wonder of step-great-grandchildren.
Willie's legacy is carried forward by his devoted wife, Mamie Fuller Wilson-Gainer, his bonus children: Anglea Wilson and Tanya Wilson-Olds (Willie E.); 5 step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. His memory will also be cherished by his siblings James D. Gainer (Jerrieta, Brad B. Gainer, Ezell Gainer (Mozena), Howard Gainer (Perdeeta), Arether Thompkin (Obbie), Constance Alexander (Jeremiah), Gail Forehand, Mary Crawford (Robert), and Rhonda M. Gainer (Jeannifer), as well as his brother-in-law Carl Fuller (Nancy), and a host of nieces, nephews, classmates, cousins, and friends. Willie's gentle and adventurous spirit will forever inspire those who knew him.
As a motivational speaker would assert, Willie's life story encourages us all to live with purpose, to embrace our journeys with courage, and to love with all our hearts. His was a life not merely lived but experienced in its fullness, a beacon of light for all who seek to make the most of every day. Let us honor Willie's memory by embodying the qualities he exemplified: kindness, bravery, and an unquenchable zest for life.
Deacon Willie Woodrow Gainer, Jr.'s story may have reached its earthly conclusion, but his spirit soars on, urging us to reach for the stars and to live life to the fullest.
Public visitation will be 4-6 PM, Friday, January 30, 2026 at the M. Sue & Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel, 5441 Cooper Street, Graceville, Florida.
A service of love will begin at 1 PM, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Salem AME Church, 5729 Browntown Road in Graceville, Florida
He will be laid to rest in the Gainer Cemetery in the Browntown Community, Graceville, Florida, with military honors performed by the US Marine Corp honor guard, under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida.