Willie Gabriel,Sr.

Mr. Willie Gabriel, Sr 94 of Charlotte, NC passed away at his residence. Public viewing will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at Long & Son Mortuary Chapel from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Celebration of Life and Military Rites will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 12:00 pm at Oaklawn Cemetery 1615 Oaklawn Ave. Charlotte, NC 28216.

Mr. Willie Gabriel Sr. arrived on the earth on Dec. 24, 1925 as a special Christmas present from the Creator to bless Arlena (Dunn) Gabriel.

As he grew and matured under the loving care of his parents, his sister (Rostina), and grandparents (Arthur and Louise), the young man became fortified with gifts and talents that propelled him to be a star athlete running back for the West Charlotte Lions and semi-pro baseball player, a proprietor of his own pool hall and resident pool shark (think ‘Charlotte Slim’), to excel as a first-generation student majoring in Biology at North Carolina A & T (Aggie Pride!), to become a candidate for officer’s training as a soldier at Fort Hood during WW2, and breaking the color barrier by becoming the US Postal Service’s first ramp clerk supervisor for the old Charlotte-Douglas Airport, retiring after 35 years of outstanding service with distinction.

Willie Gabriel Sr. was also a culinary master who learned the mysteries of what it means to be a great cook by sitting at the feet of his mother and sister.  To our total frustration, he kept his recipes completely secret, but his lip smacking fried chicken, melt in your mouth buttermilk biscuits, champion collard greens, fantastic fresh off the cob creamed corn, spectacular potato salad, seductive strawberry pies and homemade ice cream always had everyone coming back for more.  (Are you getting hungry?)

Upon becoming a servant for the Kingdom, Mr. Gabriel Sr. served as a leader in the roles of Chairman of the Trustee Board and Church Treasurer for Gethsemane A.M.E. Zion church with distinction and integrity for several decades. His strong but quiet leadership and dedication to revere and serve his Lord, his family, his church, and his community leaves a legacy of greatness and excellence to be celebrated with honor.

As a son, brother, husband, father, and family patriarch, Mr. Gabriel Sr. was unparalleled.  He was the loving husband of his cherished wife (Rita), the beloved father of Willie Gabriel Jr., Roland Gabriel (transitioned), Reginald Gabriel, and Arltina Gabriel-Tonsul (transitioned), the adored grandfather of Kamilah North (Roland), Rolanda Gabriel (Roland), Afya Gabriel (Reginald), Rolston Gabriel (Roland), Syrita Gabriel, John, Timothy, Devon [Sifford] (Willie Jr.), joyful great-grandfather to Azhar and Sky (Kamilah), Dejir (Rolanda) and Imara (Afya).

Willie Gabriel Sr. and his bride Rita led their family with strength, vision, wisdom, encouragement, support, and an unwavering desire to leave a legacy of excellence for their progeny.

Mr. Willie Gabriel Sr. exemplified what it meant to be a Scholar, a Soldier, and a Servant (of God).  He ran a long and challenging race, he finished his course with integrity and he kept his Faith in the Lord Jesus the Christ.  He has heard the Lord say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.  Enter into the Joy of your Lord.”  He now rejoices forever in His Presence and in the company of all of his beloved.

We give God our heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving for the wonderful gift of his longevity with us and the example that he made through him for us to follow.