The community of Abbeville, Alabama and people well beyond mourn the loss of Pastor Willie Lee McGahee, 85, who passed away on March 14, 2025. His hard work on earth is now complete as he is rested and happy in his heavenly home, the place that he has most striven and yearned to be. May his memory live on in the hearts of those who love him.

Willie Lee McGahee

April 26, 1939 — March 14, 2025

Abbeville

WILLIE LEE MCGAHEE

ABBEVILLE… Willie Lee McGahee, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, passed away Friday night, March 14, 2025, at his home. He was 85. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and member of the community.

In April 1939, significant events of the world included the end of the Spanish Civil War, the end of the Great Depression that lasted from 1929 to 1939, the beginning of preparations for the invasion of Poland by Germany that would launch World War II by the end of the year, and the birth of Willie Lee McGahee.

Willie McGahee (also known as “WL” [but pronounced “dub L”] in his younger years and later in life known by the affectionate title of “Brother Willie”) was born on April 26, 1939 in Odum, Georgia to the late Cleo McGahee, Sr. and Ida Lee Moore McGahee.

Willie was the baby of his then sibling group of seven (Leroy, Mary Jane, Rosa Lee, Cleo Jr., Margaree, James, and Willie). The family had endured the Great Depression but Mama Ida Lee, no matter how hard the times were, took strong care of her children. They were never without food despite the times.

With the end of the depression and a new decade (1940’s), Willie Lee’s sibling group expanded with the births of Robert, John Douglas, Thelma, Evelyn followed by Addie and Tom in the next decade. In 1943, Willie Lee now 4 years old moved with his family from Georgia to Lake Placid, Florida.

He attended E.O. Douglas School in Sebring, Florida. He also served his country in the U.S. Army. And then he found his betrothed and life-long partner, the beautiful and one and only, Miss E. O. Douglas 1962-63 herself, Lorraine Jerido. They were joined together in marriage at the boldest of places, namely in the front yard of Mrs. Helen’s (Lorraine’s late Mother) house.

This endearing couple would produce and raise their loving children of Dwannal, Karen, Kamesha, and Michelle as well as assist in the love and care of their offspring’s children. Indeed, Willie and Lorraine have been a fairy tale couple up through their temporary separation but to be reunited in time and eternity.

In 1985, he founded Outreach for Souls Church and pastored the church for the next 40 years. He was known for his calm manner and stoic wisdom. He was a loyal servant who always put others before himself, making a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His passion for singing, teaching and pastoring will endure from the broad impact on those whose lives he influenced.

At Brother Willie’s 85th birthday celebration, almost one year ago in April 2024, family and friends learned fun facts about him in a game of birthday trivia. Among those, his favorite color was blue in spite of his crimson colored favorite college football team, Alabama “Roll Tide.” Former occupations included School Bus Driver, School Janitor, and Insurance Agent. His shoe size was 13 inches; his favorite fruit was banana; and a favorite Bible verse repeated often by him: “Have Faith in God.”

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Mary Jane Robinson, Leroy McGahee, Sr., Cleo McGahee, Jr., and Rosa Lee Hawthorne.

Leaving to cherish his memories: wife, Lorraine Jerido McGahee; daughters, Karen Morris (Jimmy), Kamesha McGahee, and Michelle Oliver (Antwaun); son, Dwannal McGahee (Ronald); sisters, Margaree Kendrix, Thelma McGahee, Evelyn Taylor, and Addie McKinzie; brothers, James McGahee, Sr., Robert McGahee Sr., John D. McGahee Sr. (Ann), and Bernard (aka Tom) Hawthorne (Cheryl); and eight grandchildren - Lamar Ramos, Tevin Ramos, Tevon Ramos, Kyrrian Buttone, Thaddeus Buttone, Jr., John Grubbs, Jr., Bryson Burden, and Ja'Bralin Oliver.