Willie Nelson Jr.

Biddeford

Willie Nelson Jr., 86, of Biddeford passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Willie was born on December 26, 1936 in Savannah, Georgia to the late Willie Sr. and Katie Nelson. He was the first born of five children. Willie had two brothers James and Melvin, who have preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his loving memories to two sisters, Marion (Teeney) Nelson and Pauline Nelson, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great great-nieces, great great-nephews, relatives and friends.

Willie attended public school in New York City. He participated in the Young Adult Golden Gloves Boxing programs as a light weight fighter, as a teenager. Willie was employed and retired in the New York City Fur District as a "Fur Presser" for over 20 years.  While living in New York Willie met Sidney Poitier and they became very close friends talking each day, until Sidney went back to Hollywood. Willie also met Billy Dee Williams at his first baseball game in New York City, where they got to know each other. After the game Billy invited Willie to his mother's house for lunch.

After retirement, Willie relocated to Maine and fell in love with Maine and vowed to live in Maine for the rest of his life. He made many friends here and felt this was his home.  When Willie first came to Maine he met the Waycotts a very special family who welcomed him with opened arms. He always talked very highly of them and could not thank them enough.

Willie owned and operated Say Hey! Productions. He created his company for the sole purpose of improving the quality of community life through documenting its celebrations and community current events.

Willie was an active member of the NAACP where he had many interactions with political figures of the Democratic Party. He had lots of written communication with President William Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Governor Joe Brennan and Governor John Baldacci to name a few. He was also a personal friend to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and was standing behind Dr. King during his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. He was also a photographer and had a movie credit on the film Preachers Wife where he met Whitney Houston and Denzil Washington.

Willie had a quest for knowledge, always willing to learn and try new things. He got certification in Welding / Metal Certification, participated on The Mars Polar Lander historic event and had worked movie films as a critic at Cinemagic Theaters.

He volunteered for Amtrak, the Cable TV Committee, Milestone Foundation and many other local events that his community needed.

Willie was extremely friendly and "loved to talk". Willie loved talking to "ALL" people and would be very proud to tell you "Yes, my name is Willie Nelson". Willie was very humorous, and loved to say "can you dig it man!" Willie lived a fulfilled life with a wealth of knowledge and he really loved talking about how his moving to Maine, changed his life positively. Willie constantly talked about how the people he met during his rehabilitation journey helped, supported, motivated, encourages and loved him. Willie loved and appreciated all his friends and associates dearly. He was grateful for his relationship with the people in "The Oasis Club". He really appreciated, loved and was grateful for his dear friend "Alberta". Willie is loved and Will Be Missed!

Visitation will be from 9-11AM Saturday, September 9, 2023 with a Funeral Service at 11AM at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in Willie's name to The Oasis Club, PO Box 173, Saco, ME 04072.