Obituary for Willie D. Epes
In just one moment life can cease to exist. Know that Jesus promised: “I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3)
Willie Douglas Epes was the eldest child born to Chester and Sallie Robertson Epes on April 13, 1927.
He joined Mt. Zion RZUA as a teenager. In early adulthood he met and married Leola Cousin. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on October 4, 1957. No children were born to this union; however Willie is a father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. As an adult, life separated Willie from the church but he continued to recognize God as his personal savior. In the past few months he became reacquainted with God. He confessed with his mouth, prayed for forgiveness and repented.
“Even thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me…” Psalm 23:4
Willie was a kind man, always working. He was known as the “Coke Cola Man” for over twenty years as he was the driver of the truck delivering Coke Colas to surrounding counties. After leaving Coke Cola employment, he went to areas where he could clean cars and deliver parts. He worked at Hammond and Rand until it closed. He worked a series of jobs including: Bradshaw Ford and Bishop Nissan. Willie retired for a few weeks before joining the Food Lion family in Blackstone, Virginia. He continued to work until his health began to fail. He loved to wash and shine cars; if it was dirty he wasn’t going to drive it. He considered himself to be a “Lawn Doctor”. He loved to manicure his yard as well as many others. We are thankful for each of the special moments we have shared with him. He loved listening to music, especially blues. His kindness and dedication to making the most out of any situation will never be forgotten.
In that one moment, June 12, 2014 at 1:40 p.m., Willie Douglas Epes departed this life in his home surrounded by family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Sallie Robertson Epes, but leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of fifty-six years, Leola Cousin Epes; one son, Walter Douglas (Valerie); grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one brother, Freeman Epes of Blackstone; one sister, Antoinette Mason of Maryland; one cousin, Freddie Robertson, who was as close as a brother; four sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; two nieces, Angela King Swift and Darlene King who were his caregivers. A special love bond was formulated in which Willie placed himself in the role of a father. Minister Jeffrey Fowlkes, “Reverend Hook” as Willie called him had a special place in his heart; two special cousins in which Willie held close to his heart, Hattie and Louise Johnson; Dora Jennings, a very special and devoted friend who stuck with the family until the end; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Viewing for Mr. Epes will be Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Eleven Oaks Baptist Church, Crewe with interment in the Greenview Cemetery, Blackstone.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
Viewing for Mr. Epes will be Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Eleven Oaks Baptist Church, Crewe with interment in the Greenview Cemetery, Blackstone.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
Read More
Willie Douglas Epes was the eldest child born to Chester and Sallie Robertson Epes on April 13, 1927.
He joined Mt. Zion RZUA as a teenager. In early adulthood he met and married Leola Cousin. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on October 4, 1957. No children were born to this union; however Willie is a father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. As an adult, life separated Willie from the church but he continued to recognize God as his personal savior. In the past few months he became reacquainted with God. He confessed with his mouth, prayed for forgiveness and repented.
“Even thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me…” Psalm 23:4
Willie was a kind man, always working. He was known as the “Coke Cola Man” for over twenty years as he was the driver of the truck delivering Coke Colas to surrounding counties. After leaving Coke Cola employment, he went to areas where he could clean cars and deliver parts. He worked at Hammond and Rand until it closed. He worked a series of jobs including: Bradshaw Ford and Bishop Nissan. Willie retired for a few weeks before joining the Food Lion family in Blackstone, Virginia. He continued to work until his health began to fail. He loved to wash and shine cars; if it was dirty he wasn’t going to drive it. He considered himself to be a “Lawn Doctor”. He loved to manicure his yard as well as many others. We are thankful for each of the special moments we have shared with him. He loved listening to music, especially blues. His kindness and dedication to making the most out of any situation will never be forgotten.
In that one moment, June 12, 2014 at 1:40 p.m., Willie Douglas Epes departed this life in his home surrounded by family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Sallie Robertson Epes, but leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of fifty-six years, Leola Cousin Epes; one son, Walter Douglas (Valerie); grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one brother, Freeman Epes of Blackstone; one sister, Antoinette Mason of Maryland; one cousin, Freddie Robertson, who was as close as a brother; four sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; two nieces, Angela King Swift and Darlene King who were his caregivers. A special love bond was formulated in which Willie placed himself in the role of a father. Minister Jeffrey Fowlkes, “Reverend Hook” as Willie called him had a special place in his heart; two special cousins in which Willie held close to his heart, Hattie and Louise Johnson; Dora Jennings, a very special and devoted friend who stuck with the family until the end; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Viewing for Mr. Epes will be Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Eleven Oaks Baptist Church, Crewe with interment in the Greenview Cemetery, Blackstone.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
Viewing for Mr. Epes will be Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Eleven Oaks Baptist Church, Crewe with interment in the Greenview Cemetery, Blackstone.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
To plant a tree in memory of Willie D. Epes, visit the Tribute Store.
Loading...