Mr. Willie "Chilly" Andrews

ANDREWS, Mr. Willie "Chilly" - Age 69, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024. Family hour 10:30 Saturday, December 21, 2024 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Interment River Rest Cemetery G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Funeral Home 10:30 AM Saturday, December 21, 2024. Mr. Andrews will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, December 20, 2024. Mr. Willie James "Chilly" Andrews came to the world on Monday, November 28, 1955, in Flint, MI. Willie James was the first of seven children born to the union of Theodore and Inez Wright Andrews. Willie was a special child from an early age. He always exhibited a loving and caretaking attitude towards his family and friends. He gave his life to Christ at a young age and was active in church with his family. Willie was a spiritual person who lived his faith showing love for others with charity, forgiveness, generosity, kindness, patience and a beautiful smile. Willie was a DEVOTED father to his sons, Chavis and Shauron always giving them unconditional Love. It was inportant to him to demonstrate how to be a stand up man. He was an enthusiastic, natural born entrepreneur, starting out as a paper boy advancing to the owner and CEO of several successful businesses. Chilly was unique in everything that he did and said, he even had his own language: “What it Look Like”, “Ain’t No Thang”, “I Hear You”, “You Know, I Know”, "I'll let you know what's happening", just to name a few. If he used any one of his catch phrases, then you knew you were having a meaningful conversation! In 1971, Willie was a self-taught musician and cultivated talent among his family and friends. With his courageous and ambitious spirit, Willie decided to start a band called "Revolution of Soul". The band toured mid-Michigan playing at all the major colleges from Midland, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor to Detroit. They were very popular and had the opportunity to compete and play with other local bands, such as The Hunts Determination, Intersoul Expressions, JCCLB Movements, and many others. Some of you may have fond memories of their exhilarating performances at Wilson Park and Piece of the Rock, especially when Willie was playing his fascinating Rhythm Guitar solo, "Brickhouse" by The Commodores. Soon after graduating Northwestern High School in 1975, Chilly began his gainful employment at Chevrolet downtown Flint, eventually transferring to AC Spark Plug/Delco/Delphi. Chilly enjoyed providing for his family, by working countless hours alongside his Local Union 651 Teamsters. His coworkers could see him coming from a mile away, with his big smile, pep in his step, and friendly spirit. Chilly never complained, he often worked from sunup-to-sundown, until retiring in 2007. At AC Spark Plug, Willie met the love of his life, Karen Avery. He sealed the deal when he stepped to her and asked, "What it Look Like". That made him unforgettable, she had never been approached with such a line. Theirs was a wonderful match, having so many attributes and talents in common and complimentary…Ying & Yang. Karen was Willie's partner in every pursuit. One such project was the "Friends of Delphi", when they contacted coworkers and formed a core committee to organize and sponsor activities to bring any employee of AC Spark Plug, Delphi, Delco or GM to participate in a Holiday Family & Friends Reunion, the first occasion was held in December 2006. These events contributed essential emotional support for many people who were being battered by the challenges and changes in the automotive industry in Flint. In the late 80's, Chilly founded a Promotional Entertainment Group, called "Golden Touch Productions (GTP)". Throughout the decades, GTP would showcase Flint's own jaw-dropping talent at Jolly Six's Gong Shows and promoted memorable Cincinnati Jazz Festival Vacations. Chilly was a connoisseur of music. One of his favorite artists was Frankie Beverly and Maze, seeing them perform at the annual festival was a treat. This was always his go to music for chilling, traveling and cruising around with his lovely wife Karen. "Family First" was truly a personal mantra for Willie. He was given the charge to keep the family together in his generation, which he accepted and worked unceasingly as President of the Wright & Coney Family Reunion for over 30 years. Willie's health was challenged, but it was his desire to attend the 2024 Family Reunion in Illinois, and he was blessed to go participate making all our hearts extremely glad! Willie had favor, everything he put his focus on, got all his attention and time, to make sure the project was successful. He was an awesome recruiter, because of his most loving, sincere and sweetest attitude, which drew people to him. Willie was our brother, friend and protector, we were safe in his sphere. He loved and supported every group from the elders to the youth. Willie never missed an opportunity to bring his family and friends together to celebrate Life, in love, peace and happiness. Mr. Willie James “Chilly” Andrews went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 05, 2024, at age 69. Willie leaves in God's hands to cherish his sweet memory; devoted and loving wife, Karen Andrews; two sons, Octum Chavez (Shelley) Bell and Shauron Stinnett. Mother, Inez Andrews; two sisters, Theodora Syvella Brown and Linda Hall; three brothers, Clay (Pat) Andrews, Kevin Andrews, and Theodore (Rolinda) Harkness. Mother-in-law, Gwendolyn Avery; Brothers-in-law, Ryan Avery, Willie Avery II, Virgil (Shamika) Avery; Sisters-in-law, Virgina Avery, Gwendolyn (Xavier) Irving; four nieces; four nephews. Two aunts, Delphia Willis of East St. Louis, IL and Johnnie Mae Murphy of Flint, MI; five grandchildren, Javez and Chavez Bell, Mariah Bell, Mariae Broome and Brandi Thomas. Three great-grandchildren. Special cousins Clara Blakely, Vinita Evans, Donna Andrews, Shekira Williams; Lawrence Warren, Lee Vert Murphy and Marvin Bradley. Two goddaughters, Alvetta Murphy, Marquetta Bennett; Special niece Valerie Brown, Special nephew Terrell Andrews, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. Special friends, Ulysses (Baritone) Bailey and Thomas (TC) Wilson. A host of neighbors, including Irene Batcos, Jesse Todd and Randy Frazier. Mr. Willie James Andrews was preceded in death by his father Theodore Andrews, sister Renee Andrews-Chaney, brother Mark Andrews, brother-in-law Jeffrey Hall, and mother-in-law, Chiffon Avery, father-in-law, Willie S. Avery, Aunt Geraldine Davis; grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and a nephew. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Grewal, Dr. Adekolujo, Dr. Oyasiji, the Treatment center and staff of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Dr. Hassan and staff of Heart Rhythm Clinic. Dr. Paul Musson, PA Teresa Musson and staff. To our neighbors who so thoughtfully, willingly and unselfishly assisted us in our daily lives, we appreciate you more than words could ever express. Please keep us in your Prayers.

Mr. Willie "Chilly" Andrews

November 28, 1955 - December 5, 2024