Willie Green Haney, age 92, of Priceville, Alabama passed away peacefully on November 3rd.
Willie was born at home in Fayette, Alabama, on March 18, 1934, to Sherman Veto and Mattie Lucille Haney. When the doctor arrived several days later, he remarked that the 15-pound baby was “the biggest baby I’ve ever seen!”
A proud veteran, Willie served in the United States Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Kearsarge. He later served in the Air National Guard during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His military service remained a source of great pride throughout his life.
Willie and his beloved wife, Mary Ann, shared 60 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children, Brian, Russell, and Miriam, and built a life filled with faith, traditions, love, service, and generosity. Willie loved to take his family on road trips and insisted that “You’re never lost as long as you have a full tank of gas.”
While working as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Birmingham, Willie commuted to the University of Alabama each evening to earn his bachelor’s degree. He went on to earn two master’s degrees from Alabama A&M University. Willie received numerous awards throughout his career as a cost accountant for the United States Department of Defense, where he continued working until the age of 75. Even after retirement, he volunteered his expertise to help seniors in his community prepare their taxes.
Willie’s faith and generosity were evident in his lifelong commitment to his church and community. Ordained as a deacon in 1971, he served Antioch Baptist Church in Priceville, Alabama, for more than 50 years. He also maintained a large garden, generously sharing fresh produce with family, friends, neighbors, and the local food bank for decades.
Willie is survived by his sons, Brian Haney (Cindy) and Russell Haney (Tammy); daughter, Miriam Haney; granddaughters, Stephanie McGrew (Kevin), Jessica Haney, and Mallory Haney-Veres (Chris); and great-grandchildren, Alex McGrew, Ellie Veres, and Adeline Veres.
A visitation will be held at 12:30 on Sunday November 8th at Antioch Baptist Church in Priceville, Alabama followed by a celebration of life at 1:30 and burial at Burningtree Memorial Gardens.
Willie’s 92 years were marked by hard work, unwavering faith, and a generous spirit. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the community he served.
Peck Funeral Home
