Willis Stuckey, Sr.

Mr. Willis Stuckey, Sr., 96, took his heavenly flight on January 24, 2024, at his residence in Saginaw, Michigan, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was born October 27, 1927, in Kiblah, Arkansas, to Champion and Evelyn Watson Stuckey (Mildred Stuckey).

Willis was affiliated with Unionville CME Church, Kiblah, Arkansas, and was educated in Kiblah Public Schools, graduating from Kiblah High School, “Class of 1949.” Willis served in the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Korean War. He received an Honorable Discharge in October 1952. Willis had been a resident of Saginaw, Michigan, since 1953. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, and watching game shows, and sports. Willis loved spending time with his family. He was known as the “Southside Porch Waver” because he sat on his porch and waved at everyone who passed by. He and his best friend, Odie Carruth, were known as the “Southside Detectives.” He also helped to construct Wickes Park. Willis was employed for 67 years with the Laborer’s International Union of North America (Laborer’s Local 1098) working for various local contractors in Saginaw and the surrounding area. He worked for J.R. Heineman & Sons, Spence Brothers, and Bechtel Corporation. He helped to construct Bell Telephone (now AT&T), Dow Event Center, and Midland Nuclear Plant, to name a few. Willis became Vice President for Laborers Local 1098, serving for over 20 years. He worked as a business agent for six years with Local 1098, traveling far and wide to obtain jobs for people. One of Willis’ favorite things to do was to travel back home to Kiblah, Arkansas. He will be greatly missed by family and friends who loved him dearly and admired him beyond words.

Left to cherish loving memories are one daughter, Evelyn (Pastor Murry) Culberson; two sons, Donald (Theresa) Stuckey and Willis (Joyce) Stuckey; grandchildren, Willie (Nikkia) Williams, Brandon (Jennifer) Williams, Natasha Stuckey, William Stuckey, Donald Jr. (De’Andrea) Stuckey, Derrick Stuckey, DeMarkus (Ebony) Stuckey, Anthony (Wanda) Stuckey, Katrina (Donte’) Fairris, all of Saginaw, Michigan, Michael Jr. (Jessica) Stuckey, Cypress, Texas, Shermica (Drake) Jackson, Katy, Texas, Paula Thomas, Terry, Mississippi, Niezasha Shipman, Boulder, Colorado, Tina Green, Cordova, Tennessee, Desmond Stuckey and Travon Cotton, Roseville, Michigan, Devin and Darion Stuckey, Las Vegas, Nevada; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; twenty-three great-great-grandchildren; six sisters, Cleo Henderson, Saginaw, Michigan, Clara Barnes, Aurora, Colorado, Marjorie Patton, Kansas City, Missouri, Barbara Wiggins, Raymore, Missouri, Joyce Reid, Texarkana, Arkansas, and Winnie Stuckey, Kansas City, Missouri; four brothers, Thomas (Sandra) Stuckey, Picayune, Mississippi, Calvin (Elaine) Stuckey, William Stuckey, Kansas City, Missouri, and Theodore Stuckey, Kiblah, Arkansas; he also leaves several nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews; many cousins too numerous to list but includes Willene (Charles) Sumpter, Flint, Michigan; two brothers-in-law, Robert (Helen) Williams and Charles Williams, Crosby, Texas; Willis leaves many other relatives and friends including special friends, mother of his children and former spouse, Iola Terry; bonus children, Charolett Stuckey and John Veal; his Southside neighbors, the Carruth, Harris, McGee, Sanders, Antal, Turner, Cannon, Ford, Jones and McKenzie Families. He will also be greatly missed by his K9, Sweets, alias “Big Dog,” who was his faithful companion and was always at his side.

Mr. Stuckey was preceded in death by his parents, Champion, Evelyn, and Mildred Stuckey; son, Michael Stuckey, Sr.; brother, Morris Stuckey, cousin, James Stuckey, Sr.; sister-in-law, Juanita Stuckey; brothers-in-law, Ernest Henderson, JD Barnes, Lee Patton, Joseph Reid, and best friend, Odie Carruth.