Mr. Willie James Handford

Willie James Handford was born January 1, 1947 to the union of Willie Lee and Louvenia Handford in Forest, Mississippi. He graduated from East Scott High School in 1964, where he played baseball and other sports. Willie accepted Christ at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Forest, Mississippi. In 1965, James moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to join his parents and siblings. He was drafted by the United States Army in 1966, where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1969. He then attended Milwaukee Area Technical College, where he received an Associate's degree in Drafting. In September 1969, James began employment at A.O. Smith, later Tower Automotive. He was later promoted to a Heavy Truck Supervisor, and retired after 30 years in 1999. He always made a special effort in keeping in touch with his fellow co-workers. On May 20, 1972, Willie was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Betty Conway. To their union they were blessed with two children, James Dion and Michelle Deneen. James was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family and genuinely loved people where he found joy in making them laugh. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, baseball, softball, bowling, fishing and shooting pool. James and his brother were successful baseball coaches in the Beckum Stapleton League. During his retirement, there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandsons: Branden, [aylen and Jordan. He loved traveling with his wife. James was a man of the utmost integrity and had an incredible sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. James was called to his heavenly home on November 3, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents: Willie Lee and Louvenia Handford; his son, James Dion Handford; mother-in-law, Florence M. Conway and father- in-law, Floyd Conway. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 47 years, Betty; a loving daughter, Michelle (Kenneth) Sanders; three grandchildren, Branden David Lopez, J aylen Dion Sanders and Jordan James Sanders; two sisters, Ceola (Clyde) Bennett, Louise Guinn; one brother, Leanzie (Thyra) Handford; sister-in-law, Barbara (Richard) Roberson; special daughters, Shemeka Rush and Jill Peeples; God-daughter, Gabby Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving friends.

Mr. Willie James Handford

January 1, 1947 - November 3, 2019