Willie Avon Coles,Jr.

Willie Avon Coles Jr., the baby son born to the late Willie Avon Coles Sr. and Mosceal Weaver, departed this life quietly on Thursday, February 20, 2014. Many of his family and friends called him “Vonnie”. He received the Lord Jesus Christ at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and later joined Faith Landmark Church, Richmond, Virginia where he served on the Usher Board until he had to relocate for his job. Willie was born November 8, 1956 in Richmond, Virginia. He grew up and was educated in the Richmond Public School. He graduated from John Marshall High School. He attended several construction school programs that earned him the highest construction certificates. From there, he was employed by the United States Government as an Insulator at the Naval Research Lab, Washington, DC. Willie had a gift that would allow him to meet strangers and become friends with them after the encounter. He loved all types of music especially jazz. He was willing to help anyone with a problem and especially with obtaining a job in the construction industry. He was sometimes outspoken and very witty. You never knew what he might say, but one thing you knew is that it would be the truth, and most likely filled with his strong position on the subject. Willie would debate an issue until you were convinced that he was right. He was a loyal Oakland Raider Football fan and supported the team regardless to the final season record. He loved the black and gray colors. He enjoyed watching sports events on television and especially playing basketball. He loved the ocean. Willie loved his kids and would reach out to other children whenever there was an opportunity. He enjoyed vacationing with his wife and searching out all the good eating places. He loved to dress and always could make you laugh, enjoyed entertaining and was inspirational. Not to mention his good hospitality. Willie was known to figure out other ways to perform a task or complete a work assignment. He is survived by and leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Vanessa Tee-Coles whom he loved for over 40 years; son, Darius L. Coles; five daughters, Davon M. Coles, Angela M. Coles, Kiarria M. Coles, Akilah J. Fletcher-Coles and Aaliyah M. Coles; five grandchildren, Michael A. Coles, Muriel A. Coles, Kendall D. Coles, Element Coles and Meionie Brown; one brother, Alvin “Al” Coles; two sisters, Nikol Whittington, (Antonio) and Eartha Brown (Red); father-in-law, Woodrow Tee; two sisters-in law, Glenda S. Derricott, Suzanne Mallory Parker and Kayla Spriggs; four brothers-in-law, Bob Derricott, Gerald Knight, Edward Tee (Mandy) and Phillip Tee; uncle, Robert Vincent; two aunts, Sylvia Craighead (William) and Annette Thorton (Elte); four nieces, Genesis Tee, Graciella Tee, Chaka King (Shawn) and LeAndra Knight; three nephews, Kevin Coles, Jamye Knight and D. Knight; nine cousins, Manuel “Tony” Baskerville, Ervina Allen, Valeria Holt, Michael Mills, Margaret Weaver, Martha Weaver, Alberta Weaver (James), Tom Weaver Jr., and Daisy Weaver (Ed), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Willie Avon Coles,Jr.

November 8, 1956 - February 20, 2014