It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Willie Valdez of Fair Play, SC on January 30, 2025 at the age of 83 years.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, June Valdez, and is survived by his mother, Tanis Valdez of San Marcos, TX; children: Cynthia Bryant of Greenwood, SC, Sharon Laughter (Ricky) of Travelers Rest, SC, Guillermo A. Valdez of Greenville, SC, and Jackie Boone (John) of Fair Play, SC; and his sister, Georgia Arias (Benjamin) of San Marcos, TX. He was blessed with 24 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Willie was born to Tanis (Medrano) Valdez, in Luling, TX.  At 17, he joined the US Air Force, where he was stationed at Donaldson Center as a firefighter and met his wife, June Arrowood.  He was later stationed in Greenland, Winter Springs, FL, and upon finishing his Air Force career, settled in Greenville where he raised his family and worked as a firefighter for several years at Donaldson Center. Willie and June owned several businesses before he changed careers and worked as a chemical operator for BP Amoco until his retirement.  After retirement, he helped assisted living facilities and ACTC as a bus driver. Willie was loved by everyone he met.  He loved spending time with his family, fishing, bowling, cooking and dancing with his wife to beach music.

Words will never express how much he meant to so many and how much he was loved and will be missed.  He is now resting in the arms of God and healed by His grace and mercy.

A graveside service will be held 3:00 PM Monday, February 10, 2025 at Graceland Cemetery West, 4814 White Horse Rd. Greenville, SC 29611.