Obituaries
A Celebration of Life for Mr.Willie Lee Manuel, Jr.
Sunset: November 08, 2023
Obituary
Willie L. Manuel, Jr. (Pookie), was born January 7, 1963 to Willie L. Manuel and Ezerlean Manuel.
Willie accepted Christ at an early age at Washington Chapel Baptist Church in College Station, Texas, under
the leadership of Rev. L.W. Flowers.
On November 8, 2023, in Houston, Texas, Willie was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. Willie
graduated from A&M Consolidated High School and attended Blinn Jr. College in Brenham, Texas.
Willie loved being with his family and left a legacy of love when he departed this life at the age of 60. He
thought of himself as a weatherman. He always wanted to tell you what the weather was going to be. He also
loved sports. He started out in flag football and t-ball as a young child. He also played football in school until
his hip was fractured. After that it was track only.
Willie was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his parents, Willie and Ezerlean
Manuel, his sister, Debra Manuel Brown, and his nephew, Lance Fusilier.
Willie leaves to cherish his memories and legacy, one daughter, Arjonnae Manuel (Trey); one granddaughter,
Destyni Gordon; two grandsons, Gregory Gordon, Jr., and Adrian Gordon (Greg Sr.); two sisters, Juanita
Terrell and Rosalyn Frank (Clarence) of Houston, Texas; and a host of nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins
and a very close friend (cousin) of our family, Leslie Jenise Hill; other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 11:00A.M. at Daniel & Son Funeral Home located at 401 W 18th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803
Visitation Services will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 4:00P.M. until 6:30P.M. at Daniel & Son Funeral Home located at 401 W 18th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803
One Comment
Willie was a special gift to us growing up.
A quiet, humble, and elite athlete who didn’t “run” as much as glide effortlessly through the air.
But, to me, he wasn’t just the fastest human I ever knew, but someone to be emulated. His quiet confidence and humility set a bar to be both admired and modeled.
We all worked so hard to be as smooth and fluid as Willie. We tried to “be” what he simply “was”. He was born with an amazing gift and even today I can see him just gliding past everyone coming out of the turn and simply blowing past everyone down the stretch.
Willie left such an impression on me. Sunday, the week before last, while I was running the NYC Marathon, I had to find inspiration as my body and mind wanted to quit. One of the things I thought about was how Willie just did what needed to be done without alot of attention. So why couldn’t I just pick up that leg and take one more step.
He made such a difference to so many people – to people he probably hadn’t thought about for decades. But, he did, and will continue too. I will always remember Willie and the impact he made on me, and, in turn to my life.
Now in God’s hands, he can take a deep breath and relax. He will be the wisp of cool air blowing past my face, and remind me that I can try, but I will never float as smoothly and eloquently as Willie.