jjj  Willie Lee Healer, Sr.      jjj

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Willie Lee Healer, Sr. was born in Waco , McLennan Co., Texas on April 9, 1934 and grew up in Fisher Co., TX and Nolan Co., TX. He was one of seven children born to Oscar Vern Healer I, and Myrtle Edna Owens.

  Lee had just returned from serving with the 6th Infantry in Berlin , Germany in 1958 when he met his wife, Shirley at the A&W Root Beer Stand on Silverado Trail. He was working at the Green Frog Market in Napa , CA and Shirley lived in Crockett, so she would drive to Napa every day he worked, to have lunch with him. It soon became apparent they couldn't live without each other, so they were married at the W. Santa Rosa Baptist Church on Aug. 23, 1959.

They lived in Vallejo , CA where he served as an officer in the PTA and Little League Organizations and was a leader for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He gave much of his time and talent to the Beverly Hills Elementary School where he started the first talent show for the children. In 1964, he moved his family to the town of Napa where he was to spend the rest of his life.

Lee earned his bachelor's from Heald's Business College . In 1977, he opened Lee's Quality Meats in Napa , working with his two sons, Oscar and Tommy. During this time he served on the executive board of the Butchers Union #532. Upon retirement, he pursued his love of fishing and treasure hunting but chose to return to the workforce by pursuing a second career in motel management. After many successful years in this, he tried to retire once again but found his love of people and of working stronger, so he found his third career working at Steele Park Resort where he welcomed guests at the front gate. He quickly became known for his signature white cowboy hat and big Texan smile and "howdy" to all who met him.

Lee was deeply loved and respected by his family. He devoted his life to his children and wife -- never asking anything for himself. He was an exceptional and generous husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend. He will be remembered as a quiet, warm and gentle man who was concerned with just about everyone who crossed his path.

Willie Lee Healer died Oct. 23, 2005 in Napa , CA.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Shirley; sons, Oscar V. Healer II and wife Marianne, Tommy F. Healer and wife Debi and Willie Lee Healer Jr., all of Napa, Steven Healer of Vacaville and daughter Becky Bailey of Dixon; sister Laverne and nephew Roy John of Jayton, Texas; 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his children, Marilyn and Mark and grandson, Scott Healer.

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