Willie Matthew Townsend

Willie Matthew Townsend, son of the late Oscar “Doll” and Mary Ella Townsend, was born January 30, 1935, in Oxford, MS.

Willie professed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at South Salem Missionary Baptist Church. He continued his services God at New Salem M.B. Church where he served as Sunday school superintendent, Trustee, on the finance committee, and also as the maintenance man. He remained a faithful member until his health failed.

Willie received his education from Providence Community School. He was employed at Ole Miss Cleaners for approximately 15 years and later gained employment with North Mississippi Regional Center as a mechanic. After several years of service, he retired.

In April of 1956, Willie was united in matrimony to Lillie Smith and to this union, two children, Willie Wayne and Renelda Joyce, were born. He later united in matrimony to Patricia Blackmon, whom he affectionately called "Pattiecake,"and gained three bonus children, Kendrick, Chad, and Porsche.

Willie or “Whip,” as his bonus children would call him, worked well with his hands and was considered a handyman among those who knew him. He could work on and fix any household appliance. He enjoyed fishing, watching westerns, football and wrestling and he was a huge Ole Miss fan. Willie also enjoyed grilling and prided himself on his barbequed ribs.

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, Willie peacefully passed away at his home. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Patricia Townsend of Oxford, MS; son, Willie Wayne Townsend of Oxford, MS; bonus children, Chad Blackmon of Oxford, MS and Porsche (Regine) Blackmon-Pierre of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Marquis Townsend, Kendrick Lee Blackmon, Jr., Ke’Yanna Blackmon, Kylan Blackmon, Kensley Blackmon, Tamarcus Blackmon all of Oxford, MS, and Kingston Blackmon of Memphis, TN; great grandchildren, Kaisleigh Blackmon of Oxford, MS and Kyler Blackmon of Booneville, MS; godchildren, Christine Dixon Fox of Charlotte, NC and Mike Edmonds of Colorado Springs, CO; sisters, Elizabeth Lawrence of Memphis, TN, Alice Jones of Oxford, MS, and Annie Lois Davis of Indianapolis, IN; brothers, Edward (Yvonne) Townsend of Muskegon, IL and Doll (Deborah) Townsend, Jr. of Memphis, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lillie; daughter, Renelda; bonus son, Kendrick L. Blackmon, Sr.; brothers, Joseph, Wesley, Moses, Frank, and Rueben; and sisters, Ruthie Jane Herron and Ruthie Stokes.