On June 12, 2014 of Alexandria, VA, age 77. He "went bowling" due to hereditary Amyloidosis of the heart and renal failure. Born in Montgomery, AL on June 11, 1937 to Frank Jelks and Lessie B. (Lloyd) Tyner. Willie was the oldest of seven children. Survived by his beloved wife Cheryl; brother Emmitt Jelks, Indianapolis, IN; sisters Jeraldine (Arthur) Smith Gary, IN; Rosie (Ed) Beard, Indianapolis, IN; five children James (Cheryl) Jelks; Jennifer (Mark) Merricks; Ora Jelks; Randy (Velma) Jelks; Dennis (Achoiva) Jelks; three step-children Stephanie (Alex) Fitch; Tiffany (Michael) Scruggs; Alan Sponaugle; 26 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers Mickey, Theotis and Eugene. Willie was an avid bowler and would help anyone who asked. He was inducted into the NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame October 1999.