Major (Retired) Willie James Grate, Jr.
(February 19, 1962 - December 23, 2023)
Viewing Location: Leevy's Funeral Home, 1831 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC
Viewing Date & Time: Wednesday, December 27, 2023 / 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Funeral Location: Little Zion Baptist Church, 8229 Winnsboro Road, Blythewood, SC
Funeral Date & Time: Thursday, December 28, 2023/ 11:00 a.m.
Interment Location: Florence National Cemetery, 1001 Stockade Drive, Florence, S.C / Friday, December 29, 2023 / 1:00 p.m.
Felicia know you & your family are in my prayers. Prayers for strength during this difficult time. Continue to trust God & he is always with you.
I am so sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. I enjoyed getting to know him in the Rotary club. He always asked about my husband because they walked together two years ago in the Alzheimer’s walk. I did not know Willie extremely well but his kindness is something I will always remember the most. He was someone that cared about his friends, family, community, city and country. He will be missed very much
I am so very sad to hear of Willie’s passing. He was a kind man, a very positive inspiration and a great Rotarian.
It was an honor to know him. We will certainly miss him at Rotsry
Deepest condolences to the Grate Family in the lost of your love one. May God bless you.
Maj WJ Grate Jr Rest Easy May God Comfort your family Friends brothers Sisters in Arms Thank You For Your love and service God Speed You Duty is Complete Over and out
Aa a fellow Rotarian, I had the pleasure to work along side Willie on our project to serve breakfast for the residents of Transitions in downtown Columbia. He was so genuinely enthusiastic about serving those in need. He spoke so highly of his family and I offer my most most sincere condolences.
Willie and I joined Rotary at about the same time. It was always a pleasure to work alongside him and chat with him at various service projects. He always gave 100% of himself. The young people that he mentored have lost someone very special. I know how important his family was to Willie and my thoughts and prayers are with as you cope with his loss through the holidays. We will truly miss him in Rotary.
Willie’s smile always lit up the room at Rotary and will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family.
Joe and I are deeply saddened to hear this news. Willie was a genuine Rotarian. He was so dedicated to servant leadership. We last saw Willie at our Rise Against Hunger event. He enjoyed being with the youth and other Rotarians. I will forever remember his big smile. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again in glory!
To the family of our beloved Rotarian Willie, we mourn with you in the loss of this wonderful friend. It was always a joy to hear Willie’s reports of the work he did on behalf of our Forest Acres Rotary Family. He did us so very proud. He was a role model of “Service Above Self.”
I had the honor of being a mentor for Willie when he joined the Rotary Club of Forest Acres, witnessing his dedication to “service above self” and learning of his own service as a mentor to young students. We have all lost a good man. He leaves big shoes to be filled in Rotary.
I didn’t know Willie for long – he joined our Rotary Club about 2 years ago. I enjoyed talking with him & am saddened to not have had the chance of getting to know him better. I last saw him at the “Rise Against Hunger” service project at the High School & he seemed so upbeat at that time. I am shocked at his sudden loss.
Condolances to the family.
To the family of Rotarian Willie Grate: My prayers and condolences are with you during this difficult time. I had the opportunity to serve with Mr. Willie on several community service projects. He will be greatly missed.
Felicia and family,
My deepest so
Sympathy for your loss. Will was a wonderful man and neighbor.
He will be missed by many.
Sending prayers and condolences to the Grate Family, in the loss of your loved one. The Frazier, Holloway andQualls Family.
To Felicia and the Grate family you have my deepest condolences. May God give you peace and strength. Love you. ❤️🙏🙏
Sending prayers and condolences to the Grate Family, in the loss of your love one. The Harvin Family.
To the Grate Family the Mallicott Family send Condolences. Billy played a major part in our family, especially with our daughter Saudia. He was good man with a great heart. Billy you will be missed, but Never Ever Forgotten!
To; Rev. D. Grate
My condolence to the Grate family.
Felicia and family, Sending prayers of comfort and condolences in the homegoing of Willie. Asking God to be with all during this difficult time. We are here for you. Blessings and love.
Felicia and family, Prayers and condolences to all in the passing of Willie. Please know we are here for you. Asking God to comfort all during this difficult time.
Felicia Richard Christian and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Willie!!!! Sending prayers and condolences to you and your family!!!! Praying that God will give you all the strength and peace during this time!!!! RIH Mr Willie 🕊💖🕊🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
To my cousin Felicia and her family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband.
May the Lord provide you with comfort and strength during these trying times.
To the family of Willie Grate you have my condolences and prayers for the loss of your husband. Praying for your strength in the Lord.