Willie Lee Fleetwood

Retired U.S. Army 1SG Willie Lee Fleetwood was born on January 29, 1944, in Woodland, North Carolina. He was the beloved son of the late Arthur Melton Fleetwood and Clara Virginia Stephenson Fleetwood. He will be remembered as a loving father and brother, always generous to a fault, helping anyone in need.

“Bill,” as he was called by family and friends, lived life to the fullest. At an early age, he joined Jerusalem Baptist Church in Woodland. He was educated in the Northampton County public school system and was a proud graduate of W.S. Creecy High School. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Army, honorably serving his country for 26 years. He saw two combat tours during the Vietnam War and was assigned to duty stations in South Korea and Germany. He was an expert rifleman and was highly decorated, receiving numerous awards and commendations for his outstanding achievements throughout his military career. While still on active duty, he continued his educational pursuit. After retiring from the Army, he taught Automotive Body Repair at Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina. He later opened his own business, Fleetwood Body and Automotive Shop in Columbia.

A true outdoorsman, Bill’s favorite colors were orange and anything camouflage. He had an infectious love of life that everyone could see. His motto was “Let the Good Times Roll.” He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, restoring old cars, cooking, and listening to down-home music. Bill especially enjoyed entertaining his many friends he made over the years.

Willie Lee Fleetwood, a free spirit, passed away on May 16, 2025, at 5:43 p.m. in the W.J.B. Dorn VA Medical Center. He was 82. He lived life on his own terms, like each moment was precious…always ready for an adventure, whether it was traveling the world in the military, pursuing a new passion, or simply finding joy in the everyday. He left a lasting impact on all who knew him with his infectious enthusiasm and zest for life. Bill will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved him. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Melton Fleetwood Jr., and a sister, Shirley Mae Fleetwood Hines.

Left to cherish precious memories of Bill are his loving children: Yolaunda Dionne Mincey, Devin (Adrian) Wright, and Krystle Fleetwood; his grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud: Madelyn Tony Washington and Benjamin and Caleb Wright; his siblings: Clementine F. Smith of Norfolk, Virginia, Elnora (Fred) Fleetwood Murphy of Columbia, South Carolina, and Harvey Fleetwood of Woodland, North Carolina. Also left to mourn his passing are nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

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