Willie J. Bias

Willie James Bias was born March 15, 1934 in Oxford, Alabama to the late William and Lillie Mae (Jenkins) Bias. On Friday, December 18, 2020, he went home to be with the Lord.

Willie came to Columbus in 1950. He attended Champion Junior High School and was a proud graduate of East High School, Class of 1954. Willie served in the United States Army from 1954 until he was honorably discharged in 1957. After 41 years of dedicated service as a U. S. Postal Mail Handler, Willie retired in 1999.

Willie loved his family and each year, he looked forward to going to the Bias-McClendon Family Reunion. Since it was held in a different City or State each year, he always wanted to be there a day early so he could see the Alabama Bus roll in. He wanted to see everybody and would say, “I hope I didn’t miss talking to anybody, the reunion is just too short”. When the 2000 Family Reunion was in Las Vegas, Willie decided that he needed more than Betty as an extra driver and asked his cousins, Robert and Ruby Massey to go with them and that trip started a special bond. Willie enjoyed the continuation trips after each Reunion. He fell in love with Myrtle Beach, The Dells Wisconsin, Gatlinburg, Disneyland and Vegas. He always talked about how much he enjoyed traveling with his Cohorts.

Willie enjoyed playing cards and bowling. He started bowling in 1964 and was an avid bowler. Willie bowled his first perfect game (300) in 1996 at Amos Lanes. He loved basketball, football and was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan.

Willie was a member of the Sweet Home Baptist Church in Munford, Alabama, before moving to Columbus in 1950. After moving to Columbus, Willie immediately joined the Love Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Usher Board. He was a member of the Fulfillment Hour #601 Sunday School Class. Willie was presented with the Love Zion’s MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD in 2017. He faithfully attended his church until his health declined.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lilly Mae (Jenkins) Bias; his sister, Daisy Floyd; and Mother of his Children, Shirley Bias.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 30 years, Betty A. Bias; daughter, Marisa Bias; son, Derrick (Betty) Bias; step-son, Michael Jeter; Granddaughters, Mekia and Meliza Bias; Grandsons, Bernard, Tyrone, DJ, Isaiah and Michael; 12 Great Grandchildren; Aunt, Effie Coats of Gadsden, AL; Sister-in-Laws, Sylvia (Ronner) Byers; Martha Dye; Sadie (Craven) McCoy, All of Statesville, NC; Brother-in-Law, John Whittenburg of Cedar Park, TX. Dear Friends, William Henry and Leroy Walker; Nate Alexander; The Stevenson, Ridley, Jefferson, Nichols and Ransom Families; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Willie will truly be missed by all of us.

Public Viewing 9:00am – 10:00am; followed by a Private Visitation 10:00 AM and Private Funeral Service 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.). Mask and Social Distancing are required. Interment with Military Honors at Eastlawn Cemetery.