Willie James Bias was born March 15, 1934 in Oxford, Alabama to the late William and Lillie Mae (Jenkins) Bias. On Friday, December 18, 2020, he went home to be with the Lord.
Willie came to Columbus in 1950. He attended Champion Junior High School and was a proud graduate of East High School, Class of 1954. Willie served in the United States Army from 1954 until he was honorably discharged in 1957. After 41 years of dedicated service as a U. S. Postal Mail Handler, Willie retired in 1999.
Willie loved his family and each year, he looked forward to going to the Bias-McClendon Family Reunion. Since it was held in a different City or State each year, he always wanted to be there a day early so he could see the Alabama Bus roll in. He wanted to see everybody and would say, “I hope I didn’t miss talking to anybody, the reunion is just too short”. When the 2000 Family Reunion was in Las Vegas, Willie decided that he needed more than Betty as an extra driver and asked his cousins, Robert and Ruby Massey to go with them and that trip started a special bond. Willie enjoyed the continuation trips after each Reunion. He fell in love with Myrtle Beach, The Dells Wisconsin, Gatlinburg, Disneyland and Vegas. He always talked about how much he enjoyed traveling with his Cohorts.
Willie enjoyed playing cards and bowling. He started bowling in 1964 and was an avid bowler. Willie bowled his first perfect game (300) in 1996 at Amos Lanes. He loved basketball, football and was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan.
Willie was a member of the Sweet Home Baptist Church in Munford, Alabama, before moving to Columbus in 1950. After moving to Columbus, Willie immediately joined the Love Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Usher Board. He was a member of the Fulfillment Hour #601 Sunday School Class. Willie was presented with the Love Zion’s MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD in 2017. He faithfully attended his church until his health declined.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lilly Mae (Jenkins) Bias; his sister, Daisy Floyd; and Mother of his Children, Shirley Bias.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 30 years, Betty A. Bias; daughter, Marisa Bias; son, Derrick (Betty) Bias; step-son, Michael Jeter; Granddaughters, Mekia and Meliza Bias; Grandsons, Bernard, Tyrone, DJ, Isaiah and Michael; 12 Great Grandchildren; Aunt, Effie Coats of Gadsden, AL; Sister-in-Laws, Sylvia (Ronner) Byers; Martha Dye; Sadie (Craven) McCoy, All of Statesville, NC; Brother-in-Law, John Whittenburg of Cedar Park, TX. Dear Friends, William Henry and Leroy Walker; Nate Alexander; The Stevenson, Ridley, Jefferson, Nichols and Ransom Families; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Willie will truly be missed by all of us.
Public Viewing 9:00am – 10:00am; followed by a Private Visitation 10:00 AM and Private Funeral Service 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.). Mask and Social Distancing are required. Interment with Military Honors at Eastlawn Cemetery.
Sending my condolences and ‘s to the family….I will truly miss my brother n law and may he Rest In Paradise
Willie, you will be missed my brother. Willie you were the best brother-in-law one could ever asked for. I never heard you say anything bad about anyone. As you walk the streets of gold two step one time for us. Try not to play too much bid-wiz or show them what you really know.
He had a beautiful Spirit. He was a wonderful man. God lent us an Angel. Rest in peace thy good and faithful servant.
Sending prayers to the Willie J. Bias Family from the Young Family in Detroit, Michigan
My sincere condolences to the family. So very sorry for your loss. May Gods give you strength, comfort, and peace during this most difficult time.
Cynthia McClendon Dorman
Sincere condolences goes out to the entire Bias families. God has called another love one home to rest. Your physical presence will be missed at the Bias-Mclendon reunions. We know your spiritual presence will always be amongst us. Gone but never forgotten. Lamonte and Paulette Rutledge and familyS
One of my dad’s favorite cousins and ours. Blessings to Betty and to all of of Willy’s family.
Love,
LeAnn “Barbara” Walker Gee and Family
My deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Mr. Bias. He was a great friend to my grandparents, Chet and Erma Mayo. May you all find comfort in your memories.
Mr. Willie was one of a kind, he had a smile and look which made you think he was the happiest man in the world. Nothing bothered him, if it did you wouldn’t know it. I will always love you , you been more than a friend throughout my life and I thank God for allowing me the time that I had around you. Going to miss you Mr. Willie
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God keep you strong and united through this tough time.
To Derrick, Betty, Mrs. Betty Bias & The Bias Family:
I was sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Willie Bias. Please accept my condolences. May God comfort you during this difficult and painful time. Know that I am lifting your family up in my prayers.
Cheri Wilks (a friend of Mrs. Betty (Derrick) Bias)
Columbus, Ohio
May God comfort you. Willie was on the first team I bowled on at Fort Hayes. I will truly miss him.
TO BETTY, MY NIECE MARISA, NEPHEW DERRICK AND THE GRANDS HOLD ON TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR Y’ALL.
MUCH LOVE
I would like to extend my Condolences to The Family and Friends of Willie James Bias. Losing a loved one is one of the deepest sorrow a heart can know. But know his goodness, his caring, and his wisdom live on like a legacy of love that will always be with us all.
With deepest sympathy
Sincere condolences goes out to the entire Bias families. God has called another love one home to rest. Your physical presence will be missed at the Bias-Mclendon reunions. We know your spiritual presence will always be amongst us. Gone but never forgotten. Lamonte and Paulette Rutledge and family
To Betty Bias and family I will be for all of you. Willie no longer has to suffer
We were sorry to hear of Willie’s passing.
He will be missed in our bowling family. Our condolences and prayers to Betty, Marisa and the family.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Willie. I will miss seeing him at bowling tournaments and at my yearly fish fry. He was a vey good friend of my parents Erma and Chet Mayo. Such a sweet spirit. My memories of him will always bring a smile. Sincere condolences to you Betty. May God comfort you.
So sorry to here that willie passed away we bowled on the same team my deepest condolences to family. Prayers for the family
So sorry for your loss. I worked and bowled with Willie for many years. He was a really good guy.
My condolences go out to the family Willie was a helping person very kind we will miss you Willie but you’ll never be forgotten the Stevenson family.
I was heartbroken to hear Cousin Willie James had passed. He and my Dad were not only first cousins, but also good friends. I remember them getting together at the Family Reunions, laughing and having fun. Willie James will always be fondly remembered. So Betty, Marisa, Derrick and entire family, as you celebrate his life, do also cherish all the sweet memories. My love and prayers are with you. May God comfort you as only He can, and the Spirit of God bring you Peace.
Betty, Marisa, Derrick and the Entire Family,
You know we would be there, if we could…
However, we send our condolences, support, prayers and love. Yes, always the love of family.
Willie James will be greatly missed, always remembered, forever loved and in our hearts.
The Bias Family of Cleveland
Betty, may the peace of God surround you and the family during this time of sorrow. Barbara Rhea & Alma Carter
To Betty Bias and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of Willie. May God lift you up and comfort you. Charlene Williams Smith
Betty and Family,
I offer my sympathy on the loss of Willie. He was the person that after having met him, you were his friend for life. I will miss his infectious smile, and his constant curiosity about everything. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer to the only One who can keep you in His peace and comfort. All my Love.
To Betty, Marisa, Derrick and the rest of the family:
We offer our sincerest sympathies and prayers for your strength. I will miss his conversations and laughter at the reunions. Godspeed, Willie James!
Angie & Joe Newberg
To my family Mr.Willie James Bias will be missed by all family and friends my condolences this was beautiful and well put together.
Betty, Marisa and Derrick I send you my love and prayers. So sorry to hear of Willie James’s passing. There are so many memories of him from our yearly family reunions. One that stands out is last year in Wisconsin Dells. Everyone new how much he loved the reunion. Last year at the family dinner he was asked to address the family as the oldest member in attendance. You could tell he was surprised at being the oldest one there. You could also tell how much it meant to him to be standing in for Aunt Lealer and Aunt Effie. Another seat empty at the Bid Whist table. Love you cousins.
Dear Betty and family, I extend my heartfelt condolences and sincere prayers. We serve a God who is able to hold us during all things that come our way. God has another angel. In sincere love.
Dear Cousin Betty,
We extend are heartfelt condolences to you. We love Willie very much. He was the life of the party. Always cheerful, helpful, courteous, we can go on and on about him. He will be greatly missed.
God Bless and Thank YOU Willie for your service in The United States Army. RIP and Semper Fi.
I was a Carrier but worked with Willie at the main Office. He was a great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing.