Willie I Headen

Willie Ivan Headen Jr. 17 April 1931 – 23 Dec 2017 Willie Headen, 86, surrounded by his loving family, was received in loving arms by our savior Jesus Christ on Saturday December 23, 2017. He was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where he lived until the age of 18. One of eight siblings, he excelled in basketball and golf, and graduated from Academy Heights High School in 1951. Growing up in a deeply segregated South, Pinehurst North Carolina exposed him to the world of golf as a part time caddy, where he soon mastered the game and was locally recognized as a professional level golfer. His love for Golf was put on hold, when he was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country and was a veteran of the Korean War via the Red Ball Express, pushing critical warfighting supplies to the front. Following the Korean War, Willie was reclassified in Air Defense Artillery, and quickly rose to Senior Enlisted Rank. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the top golfers on the US Army Golf Team, and distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service over 28 years in the United Stated Army. He will always be remembered for his love and devotion for his family. A Husband, Father, Grandfather, Father-in-law, Brother, and Uncle, he is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Hildegard; his children Thomas, Patricia, Jackie, Eve, Sidney, Karim, Ramona, Renee, and Felicia Ann; and over 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two Brothers and one Sister (Luther, Jerry, and Evelyne). We remain blessed for all the years shared and forever cherish his memory. Visitation will be from 12:00pm to 1:30pm on Wednesday, January 03, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Committal Service will follow at 2:00pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.