Willie Albert Hamwright Sr., was born, on August 19, 1934, in Gaffney, Cherokee County, South Carolina. Willie was the fourth of nine children, who survived childbirth, born to the late Samuel and Odessa (Smith) Hamwright.

Willie Albert, peacefully entered eternal rest, and joined his Heavenly Father, on June 25, 2024, at the age of 89, in Philadelphia.

In 1944, the Hamwright family migrated to Deptford, NJ, before ultimately settling in Woodbury, NJ.

Willie attended Woodbury High School, where he participated in several clubs, football, and track. He was a member of the Class of 1954.

After high school, Willie entered the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he boxed, and played football, during his service.

Willie married Janet V. Kennedy, in 1961. From this union, Willie "Albert" Jr., Janet Lynn, and Terri Lee, were born.

Later in adulthood, Willie wed Elaine E. Burgess, on June 17, 1972. This union produced Christopher and Carlton Sr.

Willie loved all of his children equally, and unconditionally.

Willie's former employers include Tastykake, Whitman's Chocolates, and Pinkerton Security, where he was a lieutenant, at Campbell Soup, in Camden, NJ.

In March 1984, Willie was in a workplace auto accident, that left him paralyzed. That same month, he became a widower, after the passing of his beloved wife, Elaine.

Willie, bound and determined, with the help of dedicated caregivers, like Greta Freeman, regained the ability to walk, albeit with the use of crutches.

During a summertime visit, to the homestead in Gaffney, South Carolina, Willie's mother, Odessa, "persuaded" him to get behind the wheel of her Pontiac Bonneville. This reignited his love for the open road. Willie would continue to drive for several decades, thereafter. He went on to own several more vehicles, but he was most attached to his 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, that Elaine had driven, and the 1979 Sedan DeVille, formerly owned by his big brother, Edward.

Willie was a consummate "Sports Dad." He never missed any of Christopher or Carlton's games, or concerts, regardless of the exhaustive efforts it entailed.

While his needs were many, Willie always sought to support, uplift, and encourage those in need, around him. Whether it be for a brother, niece, nephew, or friend, the door to Willie's Ruby Streethome was always open, for a reason, a season, or lifetime.

Affectionately known as "Big Willie," "Tex," or "Pop Pop," Willie enjoyed great food, sports, fast cars, "rubbing heads" in pinochle, bingo, and an occasional slot machine. He loved being around people, and put smiles on the faces of all near him.

Thanks to a dedicated contingent of Bayada Home Heath Aides, which included Rhonda Dobey, Cynthia Cousar, Donna Greene, Denise Chambers, and Regina Williams, Willie was always neat, clean, and color-coordinated. He was often adorned in the colors of the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, or 76ers.

Whether it be a harmonica, cowbell, or horn, Willie always had an instrument of music nearby, ready to play a medley, at any time. He would also play a few notes on a piano, guitar, or ukulele, whenever he could get his hands on one.

Willie, a member of Mount Pisgah A.M.E. Church, since April 22, 1973, was the embodiment of courage, resiliency, generosity, and strength.

Willie was preceded in death by his siblings: Edward Hamwright Sr., Rachel Lowery, Charles Hamwright Sr., David Hamwright Sr., and Patricia Clay.

Willie, leaves to cherish his memory, his children: Willie "Albert" Hamwright Jr., of Wisconsin, Janet Lynn Hamwright, of New Jersey, Terri Lee Roach, of Arizona, Christopher (Shatyra) Hamwright, of Pennsylvania, and Carlton (Virginia) Hamwright Sr., of South Carolina; his grandchildren: Justin Hamwright Sr., Jarod Roach, Carlton Hamwright Jr., and Christian Hamwright; siblings: Nellie Thacker, Brenda Hambright, and Leroy (Nellie) Hamwright Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Willie, also leaves to remember him fondly, Gwendolyn Freeman, his loving companion and caregiver for nearly 40 years, her children, and grandchildren.