Willie James Rivers

Obituary 

Willie James Rivers was born on July 27, 1947 in Mount Will-

ing, Alabama to the late Jessie James and Addie Mae Rivers. 

He was their only child. Growing up, he attended Antioch Bap-

tist Church in Lowndes County under the leadership of the Rev-

erend B. S. Whitney. 

Willie attended Lowndes County Training School and went on 

to become a tailor and seamster at Dalton Garment Factory 

where he met the love of his life, Odessa Knox. He later started 

his own company, “HandyMan Will.” He held many titles, in-

cluding: handyman, carpenter, mechanic, plumber, electrician 

and fashion designer. During this time, he played softball for 

the Misfits Softball team, regularly playing at Woodhill Park. 

He went on to attend “Hamrick Truck Driving School” and 

drove trucks across the country for several years until he re-

tired. He became a member of First Baptist Church in Berea, 

OH under the leadership of Bishop William O. Stallworth. After 

his son (Kenny) became pastor, he then came under the leader-

ship of Pastor Kenneth O. Knox at Hopewell Missionary Bap-

tist Church. 

Willie had a love for fishing, horses, dogs, baseball, softball, foot-

ball and basketball. He traveled to various fishing holes every 

chance he got. He was also a huge debater. Anyone that knew 

him, knew he was a caring, generous, knowledgeable teacher 

and hardworking man. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Addie & Robert Haw-

kins; grandchild, Chistopher Jay Myles Jr.; aunts & uncles 

Willie leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Odessa; children, 

Kenneth Knox (LaShawnda), Lorenzo Rivers, Terrell Rivers, 

and only daughter Angel Nichole Rivers; nine grandchildren; 

uncle David Lee Sellers; his close friend Pastor Ernest Sanders; 

nine sister-in-laws, three brother-in-laws and a host of cousins, 

nieces, nephews and friends.

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