William J. Staples

WILLIAM JUNIOR STAPLES was born on July 8, 1926 to the late Asa and Nannie Staples in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He was the second-born and oldest son of their six children. He received his early education in the Prince Edward County Public School System.After moving to Baltimore with his parents and siblings in the 1940s, he later desired to and joined the United States Naval Service on April 3, 1944. A veteran of World War II, he was stationed in Great Lakes Naval Supply Depot, where his rating was earned as an AS, S2/C S 1/C. Upon completion of his service duties, he was given an honorable discharge at United States Naval Personnel Separation Center in Cambridge, Maryland; and received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal.On July 1, 1949, he met and married his devoted wife of 42 years, Laura Mae White Staples, who preceded him in death. From this union, two children were born; one son, Wilson, who preceded him in death, and one daughter, Lavone. Mr. Staples also had one brother, Samuel Staples who preceded him in death.On July 14, 1961, he was led by God to join the Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Walter Ellis Paige, and he also served under the current pastor, Dr. Greggory Maddox. He served faithfully on the Male Usher Ministry, Male Chorus and Sunday School Ministry, until his health no longer allowed him to.William was a loving and committed father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose presence will be deeply missed. Quieted in spirit, his love for the Lord was extended and expressed through his favorite scriptures, Psalm 23 and Psalm 121, and his favorite hymn, "Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross."On Friday, September 22, 2006, William entered his heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memory: a devoted, loving daughter and son-in-law, Lavone and Raymond Ellis, Sr.; daughter, Letitia Herring; three devoted grandchildren, Rakisha, Tanya and Raymond Ellis, Jr.; two loving great-grandchildren, Taniyah and A'Naye; one brother and sister-in-law, Charlie Lynn and Doris Staples; three sisters, Cornelia Watkins, Emma Pembroke and Jennie Staples; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and a supportive church family, the Faith Baptist Church.

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William J. Staples

July 8, 1926 - September 22, 2006