Willie Eddie White was born in Arkansas to Alberta and Jesse James White in 1937. He was the oldest of 7 children. He graduated from Howardville High School in 1955.

Willie had a career as a mechanic, and was known to be great at it. If he could take a thing apart, he could put it back together, which earned him the nickname 'Ratchet Knuckles' from his close friend Benjo Greer. He also worked for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Willie was married to Rosette March and had 4 children: Ruth, Jennifer, Willie Jr. and Brenda. He moved to Denver for some years before relocating to Catron, Missouri to help his mother in her old age. He later moved back to Colorado to live with his younger sister Mary. Willie moved in to Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center in 2014. He tended a beautiful vegetable garden there and cherished outings with family.

Willie was friendly and loved by everyone he came into contact with. He had a contagious laugh and a great sense of humor.

Willie is survived by his children Ruth, Willie and Brenda; his younger brother Lloyd; and many nieces and nephews. We love you and we miss you, Willie. You are forever in our hearts and never forgotten. A life well lived, rest in peace.