Mr. Willie Rufus Askew, age 68, of Arlington, TX, formerly of West Point, GA, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Medical City of Arlington.

Willie Rufus Askew was born March 10,1951 in West Point Georgia to the union of the late David Askew, Sr. and Estella (Jackson) Askew.

He accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age and joined Greenwood Baptist Church in Lanett, Alabama. Willie attended the West Point Public School System, where he was a member of the 1970 graduating class of Harrison High School. He was a dependable and devoted employee of Lucent Technology, Atlanta, GA for over 20 years. In later years, Mr. Askew relocated to the Arlington, TX, where remained until his death. His love for the outdoors inspired him to become and entrepreneur and started his own lawn service.

God opened up Heaven’s Gates on Friday January 24, 2020 and called our beloved Willie home.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Eva Atkinson, Lucille Bailey and three brothers, David Askew Jr, Paul Askew Sr. and Jimmy Askew Sr.

Willie was a devoted and loving father to one son, Illya Askew, Fort Worth TX; two daughters, LaShundra Askew, Arlington, TX and Carmecia Askew, Stone Mountain, GA; five grandchildren, Tyriq, Joshua, Alaina, Alecia and Andre; three sisters, Catherine Whitlow, Lanett, AL, Violet(Cornelius) Whittaker, West Point, GA, and Ruby Askew, West Point , GA ; host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Askew will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. ET in the sanctuary of the Greenwood Baptist Church, Lanett, AL with the Rev. James McTier, Pastor, Eulogist, Rev. Jimmy Carlisle, Rev. Terry Tucker, Dr. Frederick James, Rev. Leonard Autry, assisting.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The remains will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. ET until the funeral hour.

Public Viewing will be Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The family can be contacted at the residence of Mrs. Catherine Whitlow, 1933 32nd Drive, SW, Lanett, AL 36863

Funeral arrangements by M. W. Lee Mortuary.