Willie Ozell Robinson

A Celebration of Life for Willie Ozell Robinson, 79 of Decatur and formerly of Chicago, Illinois will be 1:00 PM Saturday at Reynolds Funeral Home with the Reverend John Sanchious officiating and Bishop T.L. Hill eulogist.  Public viewing will be Friday from 1:00 PM till 6:00 PM at Reynolds Funeral Home. Inhumation will be Tuesday in Oakridge Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois with Wallace Broadview Funeral Home assisting the family.

Willie O. Robinson was born March 10, 1942 in Somerville, Alabama to the late Etta Odell McCarns Robinson and Herman Willie Robinson.  He transitioned on Friday, November 12, 2021 in Decatur, Alabama. 

Willie was the second child of three children and was preceded in death by his only brother, Edward Robinson. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Hattie Robinson.

Willie attended Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Somerville, AL and accepted Christ at a very early age.  Willie attended Morgan County Training School in Hartselle, AL.  After graduating in search for better opportunities, he moved to Chicago, IL, where he was employed at Montgomery Wards department store.  He later went on to start a career and served in the U.S. Army where he received a honorable discharge.  After returning from the service, he was a dedicated bus driver for Chicago Transit Authority until retirement. After becoming ill, Willie moved back to Alabama with his sister, where he was loved and cared for by her, his nieces, nephews and other special care givers. 

Willie Robinson was a hard-working, loving, caring and very generous person.  His love for his family and friends was expressed in his effortless deeds and acts of kindness.  

Willie immensely enjoyed watching baseball, the Chicago Cubs being his #1 Team.  He also loved listening to gospel music and enjoyed traveling from Chicago back home to Alabama to visit family and friends.  Willie had a sense of humor with a laugh that lit up the room. His smile and laughter were contagious and touched the heart of everyone who came in contact with him.

Left to remember him with love and respect are: a loving and devoted sister, Linda Matthews of Decatur, AL; his loving sister-in-law, Pauletta Robinson of Chicago, IL; a special brother-in-law, Prentiss Armstrong of McKinney, TX; also leaving to cherish his memory are, five nieces; Jerri Robinson of Chicago, IL and Sonya Robinson of Plainfield, IL whom he loved as his own daughters, Erica Matthews of Hoover, AL, Adrienne Williams (Pervis) of Athens, AL, Trina Minor (Eric) of Madison, AL;  four nephews; Bryant Matthews (Vanessa) Sidney Matthews (Tamara), Kevin Matthews, Edward Landon Robinson, a special friend Mable Davis and a host of great as well as great/great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, loved ones and a host of other extended family and friends. 

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