Willie Flowers

CAIRO, Ill. -- Willie Flowers, 86, of Cairo died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, at his home.

He was born Nov. 7, 1917, in Tunica, Miss., son of W.T. and Irene Flowers. He and Willella Green were married May 3, 1943.

Flowers retired from Burkart Manufacturing.

He served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the EAME Ribbon, Army Lapel Button and two stars.

Survivors include five daughters, Gaythal and Deborah Flowers of Chicago, Ruby Box, Mereva Parnell and Sabrina Flowers, all of Cairo; a son, Darrell Flowers of Chicago; a sister, Leverin Wilson of Chicago; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, a son, a grandson, three brothers and a sister.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, with the Rev. J.L. Posey officiating. Burial will be in National Cemetery at Mound City, Ill.