Willie James Hagan

Willie James Hagan was born to Jimmy and Ella Mae Hagan, of Bulloch County, on September 9, 1945. Willie was one of Jimmy and Ella Mae’s seven children. He was educated in the school system of Bulloch County, Georgia before moving to Boston, Massachusetts as a young man. In 1970, Willie was joined in holy matrimony to Carrie L. Clark. As part of this union, Willie was gifted the honor of becoming dad to Carrie’s daughter, Anita, whom he loved and cherished as his very own. They later met, loved and welcomed another daughter, Rhonda, into the family. Willie and Carrie remained close until his passing. Some years later, Willie met Mary Singleton. They maintained a loving partnership for over 40 years, until she preceded him in death in 2015. In this partnership, too, Willie was gifted with a daughter he’d call his own. In June of 1977, Willie became father to Gerard Jermaine Wynn with Hazel Wynn. Hazel remained a devoted friend and was a great help to Willie and family as his health declined. Willie was an avid sportsman. He participated in Boston softball and bowling leagues for many years and excelled in all his pursuits. In addition to his love of playing and watching sports (Go Red Sox!), Willie found great pleasure in whooping all challengers in games of Bid Whist and Spades. At home, Willie took great pride in, and put much effort into, maintaining his yard. He spent many early morning hours serenading the neighborhood with the sounds of lawnmowers and snowblowers. A lover of travel who did not particularly enjoy flying, Willie became the designated driver of road trips, joining family and friends on many throughout the years. Georgia, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, high school reunions, family reunions, weddings, and pleasure…Willie could be found behind the wheel. His final road trip…a trip to Detroit with his friend Mattie Daniel…brought him great joy. Willie retired (a 2nd time) from Bertolino Foods in May 2021. He spent over 35 years as a loyal employee of, and friend to, the Bertolino family. On June 11, 2022, in prayer with his sister Almarita at his bedside, Willie accepted the Lord as his Savior. In the early morning of Sunday, June 19, 2022, Willie James Hagan departed this earthly realm, to suffer pain no more. He was preceded in death by his parents, his love: Mary Singleton, his daughter: Anita G. Clark, his son: Gerard J. Wynn, Sr., his grandson: Thaddeus Clark, and his brothers: Charles and Jessie Hagan. He leaves many to mourn his passing and celebrate his life. This includes his daughter, Angela Singleton-Scott; eleven grandchildren Kevin, Cory (Mary), Kenneth, Joseph, Matthew and Alyssa Scott, Tyler Butler, Gerard, Jr. and Gerhara Wynn, and JaKayla and Curtis Clark; two sisters, Almarita Hendrix (Eugene) and Delores Jones; two brothers, Cal Hagan (Beverly) and Clinton Hagan (Fannie). Willie had many family members and special friends for whom his love and memory will remain precious. PAPA ~ GRANDPA ~ DAD ~ BIG GUY~ CHAMP