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Willie
Lee Healer, Sr. jjj
j
Willie Lee Healer, Sr. was born
in
Waco
,
McLennan Co., Texas
on April 9, 1934 and grew up in Fisher Co., TX and Nolan
Co., TX. He was one of seven children born to Oscar
Vern Healer I, and Myrtle Edna
Owens.
Lee had just
returned from serving with the 6th Infantry in
Berlin
,
Germany
in 1958 when he met his wife, Shirley
at the A&W Root Beer Stand on Silverado Trail. He was
working at the Green Frog Market in
Napa
, CA and Shirley lived in Crockett, so she would drive to
Napa
every day he worked, to have lunch with him. It soon became
apparent they couldn't live without each other, so they were
married at the W. Santa Rosa Baptist Church on Aug. 23,
1959.
They
lived in
Vallejo
, CA where he served as an officer in the PTA and Little
League Organizations and was a leader for the Cub Scouts and
Boy Scouts. He gave much of his time and talent to the
Beverly Hills
Elementary School
where he started the first talent show for the children. In
1964, he moved his family to the town of
Napa
where he was to spend the rest of his life.
Lee
earned his bachelor's from Heald's
Business
College
. In 1977, he opened Lee's Quality Meats in
Napa
, working with his two sons, Oscar and Tommy. During this
time he served on the executive board of the Butchers Union
#532. Upon retirement, he pursued his love of fishing and
treasure hunting but chose to return to the workforce by
pursuing a second career in motel management. After many
successful years in this, he tried to retire once again but
found his love of people and of working stronger, so he
found his third career working at Steele Park Resort where
he welcomed guests at the front gate. He quickly became
known for his signature white cowboy hat and big Texan smile
and "howdy" to all who met him.
Lee
was deeply loved and respected by his family. He devoted his
life to his children and wife -- never asking anything for himself.
He was an exceptional and generous husband, brother, father,
grandfather and friend. He will be remembered as a quiet,
warm and gentle man who was concerned with just about
everyone who crossed his path.
Willie
Lee Healer died Oct. 23, 2005 in
Napa
, CA.
Lee
is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Shirley;
sons, Oscar V. Healer II and
wife Marianne, Tommy F. Healer
and wife Debi and Willie
Lee Healer Jr., all of Napa, Steven Healer of
Vacaville and daughter Becky Bailey
of Dixon; sister Laverne and
nephew Roy John of Jayton,
Texas; 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and
numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his
children, Marilyn and Mark
and grandson, Scott Healer.
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