Willie Tene Williams, 78, was born on December 31,1947, in Clarksville, Texas, to Sara Ann Ricks and Houstene Frazier. While growing up in Clarksville, Willie attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and Cheatham High School. He was surrounded by his uncles, aunts, and cousins until November 26, 1964, when he moved to Wichita, Kansas.

Willie’s first job was alongside his stepfather, David Ricks, at Joe’s Car Wash. Shortly afterward, Willie and his stepfather went to work at a car lot called A Price Is Right. He later worked at Texaco for his uncle, Enos Coleman, who owned the business. Willie then went to work for KG&E Electric Company, where he remained until a tragic accident involving his oldest son changed the course of his life.

Throughout the years, Willie worked several jobs. His final longtime employment was with Kings North America Moving Company, where he worked from the 1980s through the early 2000s. In May 1968, Willie married Freda Simpkins. To this union, four children were born: Willie Donell, David, Lisa, and Dion. They later divorced.

On March 22, 1974, Willie married France Dean. To this union, two children were born: Tangela and Willie Cortez. They later divorced. Willie was also blessed with more children: KiJafa, Salisha, Kevin, Shandy, Willie Wesley, Raven, and Elizabeth. Above all, Willie loved his children and his entire family dearly.

Willie was affectionately known by many names, including Smokey, Smokey Jo, Smoke Dawg, and Sweet Willie. The name “Sweet Willie” came from the way he stepped out on the weekends. His shoes were always polished and shining, and he was always dressed sharp and smelling good for the ladies and they loved it!

Willie was a good man with a generous heart. If there was any way he could help someone, he was there. He loved cars, especially fast cars. In his younger days, he was known for putting a little too much speed behind the wheel and sometimes giving the police a run for their money. He also enjoyed working on cars and was a talented mechanic.

Those who knew Willie knew that he had a language and personality all his own. Some of his favorite sayings included, “I’m gonna be straight up with you,” “Y’all got me messed up,” and another colorful phrase that those who knew him well will certainly remember. Willie wasn’t one to spend much time arguing. When he had enough, he would simply get in his car, drive away, and give you “the wave.” Those who knew Willie know exactly what that wave meant!

Willie was truly a fighter. In July 2025, his health began to decline, but he continued to fight a long and courageous battle. He departed this life on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Wesley Hospital. His family will especially remember the final week of his life. Even through everything he was experiencing, Willie still found a way to make everyone smile and laugh. During one memorable moment, he told his son Cortez that he needed some money. When Cortez asked what he needed the money for, Willie replied, “For some girls.” Everyone laughed so hard. Even then, Sweet Willie still had it!

Willie was preceded in death by his father, Houstene Frazier; grandparents, Isaac and Sallie Williams; and sisters, Phyllis Ricks and Mary Jo Ricks.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Sara Ann Ricks; his sons, Willie D. Williams, David (Michelle) Williams, Dion Williams, Willie C. (Kolinda) Williams, Kevin Carter of Checotah, Oklahoma, and Willie W. Williams of Dallas, Texas; his daughters, Lisa Alford of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tangela Terrell, KiJafa (Rico) Jones-Grady of Suffolk, Virginia, Salisha Boylen, Shandy Williams Carter, Raven Williams of Dallas, Texas, and Elizabeth Williams of Dallas, Texas; and his bonus daughters, Aileen Hightower and La’Toya Arnold. He also leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, David (Sabrina) Ricks, Paul (Christine) Ricks of Washington, Howard Ricks, Samuel (Tanyika) Woodberry of Copperas Cove, Texas, and Steve (Bianca) Woodberry of Olathe, Kansas; his sisters, Margaret (Greg) Jacobs and Sandra (Andre) Ammons; 34 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; along with longtime companion, France Williams, a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Willie “Sweet Willie” Williams will be remembered for his love of family, his willingness to help others, his love of cars, his unmistakable sense of humor, and the personality that made him unforgettable. Those who loved him will forever remember