Willie Leon Fuqua was the firstborn son of five born to Leon and Kizzie Beatrice Sanders Fuqua on September 24, 1947.
At an early age Willie Leon joined St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church, Tishomingo, MS. He later united with New Beginning Christian Ministries, Cherokee, AL.
He was a letterman Cherokee High School football player. He travelled throughout the Southeast as a baseball player with his father serving as the Team Manager for the Cherokee Baseball Semi-Pro Team. Willie Leon graduated in 1965 from Cherokee High School. He retired from The Natchez Trace Parkway with the U.S. National Park Service breaking barriers as the first African-American maintenance supervisor at the Cherokee site with over 36 years of loyal service. It was a joy for Willie Leon to plant and share his fruits and vegetables from his garden, oftentimes delivering them to family and friends. Hunting, fishing, watching sports, and spending time with his family were some of his favorite pastimes.
Willie Leon transitioned from this life on Sunday, August 30th at Select Speciality Hospital, Jackson, TN. He was preceded in death by his son, Reginald “Bubba” Fuqua, his parents Leon and Kizzie Fuqua, and his baby brother Kelvin Mark Fuqua, Sr.
His memories will be cherished by his devoted and jewel of a wife Rubye Rowell Fuqua of nearly 48 years. Daughter- Camonica (James) Suggs, Sons Nikia and Darryl Fuqua. Sisters- Joyce Jackson and Barbara (James) Thompson and brother- Larry (Bonnie) Fuqua. Sister-in-laws; Annie Lee (Charlie) Beckwith and Mary Weddington, Brother-in-law; Amos (Rose) Rowell; Michael Oden- a cousin raised as a sibling. 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
