Mr. Willie Rudolph, Jr.
Willie Rudolph Jr. was born in Hayneville, Alabama, August 1, 1935, one of nine children to Willie Rudolph Sr. and Celain Rudolph. Willie’s Christian journey began early in life when he joined the CME Zion Methodist Church of Hayneville, AL. He developed the love of family as a young child. While his parents worked, he became the caretaker for his younger siblings. His early education began at Russell Elementary School in Hayneville, AL. Willie attended Calhoun High School in Lowndes County, AL for three years. His senior year was spent at Sandtown High in Elmore County, AL, where he graduated in 1955. In high school Willie played football.
In 1955, Willie met Esther Mae Johnson from Evergreen, AL in Montgomery, AL. Willie and Esther moved to Buffalo, NY and married in 1960. Enjoying 59 years of marriage until Esther passed in December of 2019. Willie and Esther had one son, Reynard Rudolph.
Prior to moving to Buffalo, Willie worked in Montgomery for Southeastern Drugs as a Delivery Driver. In Buffalo Willie worked for the Hotel Lafayette, Hotel Buffalo, Wickwire Spencer Steel, and hired at General Motors (GM) in 1961 as a Metal Casting Machine Operator. After 20 plus years at GM Willie retired in 1982.
Willie and Esther joined St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church in Buffalo, New York in 1960. Willie received the following acknowledgements from St. Luke: Faithful Service Award, Outstanding Performance in promoting the improvement & Beautification of St. Luke Award, Dedicated Christian Service Youth Builders, Outstanding Church & Community Service – Concerned Parents Council Award, Lay Person of the Year Award – Western New York District, and Man of the Year Award. Willie also served as a church Trustee, class leader, choir member, attended numerous conferences with Esther, and helped establish a church library. Willie was also a life-time member of the NAACP and former member to H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities Made Equal).
Willie enjoyed family vacations, sports (especially the Buffalo Bills), theater, cooking, checkers, repairing and building things on his own, and gospel music. Willie loved baking his special apple pie and often shared his recipe with family.
He leaves his legacy of courage and strength to his son, Reynard Rudolph (Debra); two grandsons, Austin Rudolph of Overland Park, KS and Taylor Rudolph of Cordova, TN; his siblings, Bennie Rudolph of Buffalo, NY, Callie Green Pringle, Fannie Jones, both of Montgomery, AL, Delois Pickney, Dorothy Bartee, both of Hayneville, AL, Mattie Arnold of Cleveland, OH, Jon Arthur Rudolph-deceased, Peter Rudolph-deceased (Tessie), and Henrietta-deceased; extended Floyd Family and other relatives, friends, and church members.
We are sincerely grateful to the many friends who have given us support and comfort during this time of loss. May the grace of God be with you as you have demonstrated the richness of His love toward our family.
- The Rudolph and Floyd Families