Willie "Bill" Gray Blue a gentle man with a kind heart, was born March 7, 1933 to Hixon and Lena Blue in Bullock County, Alabama. The son of sharecroppers, Bill, was limited to a 4th grade education. Determined not to spend his life "plowing behind a mule", he left Perote, Alabama and headed for the big city of Fairfield. In his hand, he carried a minor's release and at age 17, he started work at the American Cast Iron and Pipe Company "ACIPCO".

It was in the city of Fairfield, that he met and married the woman that he would love and with whom he would spend the next 65 years of his life. Bill married Doris Jackson, and together they became parents to Denise and Willie Charles "Billy". Raised by Christian parents in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Bill joined Rising Star A.M.E. Zion Church where he and his family served and worshipped for many years. When he died, Bill was a faithful member of Bryant Chapel A.M.E. Church. He actively attended and participated in Sunday School, bible study and Sunday worship. He often described his relationship with Bryant Chapel as a blessing. He loved his pastor, the members, and the warm
fellowship.

Bill integrated the Construction Department at ACIPCO by becoming the first black man to be hired on in the paint shop. He became a skilled painter and was highly sought after by many members of the ACIPCO hierarchy. He retired from ACIPCO in 1993 after 42 years. Bill spent his
retirement years doting on his grandson Bryan Michael "Mighty Mike", enjoying his family, friends and caring for his wife. He shared his work ethic, love of fishing and his kind spirit with his family. He knew the value of education and on Christmas Eve he gave a scholarship gift to
each grand and great-grand enrolled in school.

Bill was called home on September 27, 2020, following a 17-day hospital stay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hixon and Lena Blue, sisters, Lena Blue Jones, Ruby Mae Gamble, Annie Kate Hilton and brothers, Griffin and Maxon Blue. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Doris Jackson Blue, a daughter: Denise Blue (Michael) Poe; a son: Willie Charles Blue; four sisters: Amy Davis, Pauline Pittman; Eulene Bevans and Jeannette (Render) Crowder. He also leaves to mourn grandson: Bryan Michael Poe; granddaughters: Elboney Hurt (Mack) Mathews and Ivory Flemister Reid; great-grandsons: Christopher and Jaylin Flemister Flood and great-granddaughter, Sarai N. Reid; bonus grandchildren: Annjerald DeVance, Lisa (Eddie) Clark, Michael (Tara) Poe, Jr. and Jar'quess Lomax. A host of family and friends will also mourn his passing.

Funeral Service will be held Thursday October 1, 2020 10:00 A.M. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel with burial in Elmwood Cemetery

Watch the celebration of life service for Mr. Willie Blue here: