Willie J. Henning's Obituary
Willie James Henning, 82. of Decatur, was born on September 8, 1935 in Brownsville, Tennessee and passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Eastview Terrace in Sullivan. Illinois
His parents Kenneth Henning and Anna Dickerson were cotton farmers but Willie was enticed by the lights of the ‘big city” at an early age. He spent fifty plus years in Chicago working for Amtrak and retiring from Chicago Transit Authority.
Willie loved traveling to and exploring warm destinations. He developed a passion for golf and played several times a week, health permitting. Dedicated to Christ, Willie served his community through his work at UNA Church of Christ while he lived out the second phase of his life in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend who was always cracking a joke. Above everything, if you had to choose one thing that he loved doing the most that was listening to and talking about the Blues.
Willie leaves to cherish fond memories his sons: James L. (Jimmy) Henning of Indianapolis, IN; and Brent Ransom of Milwaukee, WI, three grandchildren: Attonnavie Wilson of Richmond, VA; Ryan Henning of Columbus, Georgia and Jameshia Henning of Decatur, five great-grandchildren: Ja’niyah, Isaiah, Alayah, Shawn and Tone, special nieces: Bessie Bond, Thelma Bonds, Katie Jean Greer, Deborah Clark-Outlaw all of Decatur, Mildred Bowels of Brownsville, Tennessee; Ella McCarrol of New York, New York; Wilma Walker and Willie Alice Henning both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; special nephew Hubert Clark of Decatur, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Willie was greeted in Heaven by his parents, brothers: Willie Chism, Alboy Clark, Jessie B. Clark and James L. Henning; sisters: Adine Burton, Flossie Clark, Katie Mae Clark, Ella Mae Clark, Emma Henning and his special friend Mickey.
Homegoing services to celebrate Willie’s life will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 7, 2017 at St. John Baptist Church, 1602 E. Moore St. Decatur, IL Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
The family of Willie J. Henning is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St, Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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