William Walker “Willie” Florence, 75, of rural Nelson, MO, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, November 17, 2025, from his home.
Funeral services with military rites will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Marshall Family Worship Center with Pastor Mark Gooden officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Cremation will follow with private family inurnment at Salem Evangelical Cemetery near Arrow Rock. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Willie was born on May 28, 1950, in Malta Bend, MO, and was the only son of seven children born to William Henry Florence and Evelyn Carson Florence, lovingly known as “Papa Skeets” and “Nanny”. He graduated from Malta Bend High School in 1968 and later graduated from State Fair Community College in Sedalia. Willie joined the United States Navy and served in Vietnam from December 1968 through October 1970. On May 18, 1999, in Las Vegas, NV, he married his soulmate, Ruth, and they then began their lives in Texas before moving back to Saline County. Willie worked in various occupations through the years as well as owning and operating his own businesses.
In addition to his wife, Ruth; he is survived by four daughters: Stacey Lewis (Alonzo), Rebecca Coleman (Samuel) Brandi Taylor (Dante) and Angie Edwards (Kerry); three stepchildren: Rayetta Leimkuehler (Jerry), Mitchell Rose (Samantha) and Justin Rose; 28 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four sisters: Anna Reynolds, Belle Florence, Rosie Okoye and Debby Florence; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Annie Gertrude Florence (in infancy) and Stella Agwu.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
