Willie J. Gavin

            Services will be 12:00 noon on Friday, December 27, 2019 at the Valley Baptist Church, 405 Depot Street, Niles, OH, for Mr. Willie J. Gavin, 79, of Youngstown who entered eternal rest on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at his home with his loving family at his side.

            Mr. Gavin was born April 30, 1940 in Big B Valley, Mississippi, a son of Johnnie and Savannah Tate Gavin.  He attended Niles Public Schools and Kent State University.  He had worked as a carpenter/electrician with WCI, retiring in 2000.  He was a member of Valley Baptist Church where he was baptized at an early age.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, social cards, and especially loved being with his family.  Willie was an Army veteran serving in the Special Forces and was a Paratrooper.

            He leaves to cherish his beloved memory his wife, the former Dorothy Wiggins-Townsend whom he married June 15, 2013; six children, Ricky (Michelle) Barnett of Howland, James Gavin (Tuwanna Christian) of Akron, Troy Gavin of Aurora, Colorado, Gregory Gavin of Atlanta, GA, Tonya Gavin of Warren, Darron Jones of West Memphis, Arkansas; his stepchildren, Andrew (Janice) Townsend of Canfield, and Jefferson (Doris) Townsend of Youngstown; his daughter-in-law, Cherese Gavin; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; a nephew, Bruce Gavin of Niles; a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; and two siblings, Thomas Gavin and John Jamison.

            Visitation will be Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the church.  Arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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