Willie James Sisson

Mr. Willie James Sisson, 74, of South Fulton died Friday, May 13, 2016, at Diversicare of Martin. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2016, Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday at the church. Willie James “Doo Funny” Sisson was born in Fulton, KY to the late Robert and Willie Belle Sisson on August 6, 1941. He accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. J. T. Gaines at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Fulton, KY and later became a member of St. John Baptist Church in Gary, IN. He attended Rosenwald Elementary School in South Fulton, TN and Miles High School in Union City, TN where he graduated in 1959. While attending Miles High he became a proficient trumpet player in the school’s band under the direction of Professor Virgil Caldwell and was awarded a music scholarship to attend Lane College in Jackson, TN. He later changed his major from Music to Sociology and graduated in the year of 1964. In May of 1964, he was united in Holy matrimony to Joyce Thomas who preceded him in death. To this union two children was born; James and Ivy. He later married Ida Ruth Robinson. Willie, in later years met the love of his life and long time companion, Willie Bea Green. To this union two children was born, Willette and Jeremey. He was employed with Canada Dry Bottling Company, Maywood, Illinois from 1964-1965. He became employed in 1965 with U.S. Steele Company in Gary, IN where he was a supervisor for five years and later as an employee, he worked with the United Steele Workers of America until his retirement in 2003. After retirement he moved back to South Fulton and was later employed with MTD of Martin, TN. Willie had a vast love for his family and friends and didn’t mind being called the nickname that he had acquired as a child, “Doo Funny.” He was always willing to help anyone that asked for his help or that he could help where there was a need. His pastime pleasures was bowling and fishing. After moving back home, he spent many “fun” days going fishing with his brother, spending time talking to his childhood friend (Elbert Jack), and meeting with family for holiday dinners and family reunions. He leaves to cherish his memory, three sons; James Sisson, Jeremey (Stephanie) Sisson both of Gary, IN and Ivy (Kristina) Sisson, Indianapolis, IN; two daughters Renette Henderson, Memphis, TN and Willette Sisson, Merrillville, IN; one brother, Robert W. Sisson, So. Fulton, TN, two sisters, Bettye (William) Thomas, Martin, TN and Beatrice Wilcox, So. Fulton, TN; one aunt, Mary Hart, Clinton, IA; twenty-three grandchildrens, three great-grandchildrens, a devoted friend, Kim Dean, and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parent, and one daughter, Teresa Garmon. Rawls Funeral Home – South Fulton 731-479-2181