Deacon Willie James Faison, 99, (World War II Veteran) of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at Hospice of Marion County Legacy House, Ocala. The youngest son of David and Rena Faison, he was a native of Fort McCoy, born on Monday, October 8, 1917. He was educated in the Marion County School District. At an early age Brother Faison joined Pleasant View Baptist Church and was subsequently ordained as a Deacon. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army, and proudly served nearly six years during World War II, stationed in England, France, Germany, and Japan. While in the Army, he served as quartermaster, engineer, and cook and on November 7, 1947, Corporal (Tech-5) Faison was honorably discharged. Upon return to Fort McCoy, he worked various jobs, helping neighbors and friends with their yards and fields. He was employed as a custodian with the Marion County School District, retiring on September 1, 1983. He also served as groundskeeper for the Fort McCoy Cemetery. A quiet, soft-spoken, compassionate, and loving gentleman, he worked long, hard hours, yet he committed quality time to mentor young men in the community. He would even take them fishing and hunting, bringing much joy to their hearts. He resided in Palatka for over 15 years and was a member and served as a senior deacon at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in eternal rest by his wife, Jeanette Faison; sisters, Bessie Faison-Williams, Ollie Faison-Campbell, Inez Faison-Williams, Dora Faison-Watson; and brother, Ethell Faison.

To cherish his memories and celebrate his victorious life in Christ Jesus: daughter, Delores Green, Palatka; step-son, Jerome Fields, Tampa; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends, including caregiver, Deacon Fred Calvin (Linda) Marshall, Palatka, and his beloved Mt. Tabor Church family.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m., Friday, August 4 at Flagg's Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 5, at the Ocala House of God Church, 2830 N.W. 27th Avenue, Ocala, Elder Christanel Butler, Pastor; Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Pastor of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, officiating; Evangelist Wayne H. Wooten (Deacon Faison's great nephew), of Higher Ground Harvest Center, Ocala, is the eulogist. Interment will be in the Fort McCoy Community Cemetery.