Willie Lee Caldwell was born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 6, 1944, to parents, Joseph and Essie Caldwell. As a child he, his parents, and siblings all moved to Akron, Ohio seeking a better life. Willie attended Akron Public Schools prior to working for himself as an auto mechanic, electrician, and maintenance man. He retired at age 65 after working as a security guard for the Akron Public Library. His favorite pastime was spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Preceded in death by Joe Nathan “Tino” Caldwell, Fred Lee Caldwell, Eleanor Ann Lois Jones, Julia Mae Gordon, Raymond  Curtis Caldwell, Sandra Maxine Harrison and Dorothy Mae Wooly.

Willie is survived by his loving life partner and best friend, Louvina McCail; children, Willie Lee (Tocarra) McCail, Rachelle “Lynette” (Isaiah)  Joseph, Phillep Derome Caldwell, Joseph Charles Caldwell, Angelica Candace Caldwell, Angelina Cassendra Caldwell, Wille “Bear” White, Wennifer (Matt) Bailey, Darnellas (Angelo) Caldwell Minili, Laura (James) Logan, Monica Cook-Jackson, Danielle Taylor, Willie Williams and Darchez Cave; grandchildren, Matthew Cornell, Lilyana Cornell, Elias Cornell, Melonique Cook, Antonea Jackson, De’Aysheona Jackson, Armani Jackson, Nyairea Jackson, Dylan Jackson, Ebony Moss,  Daysha Loggans, Darneesha Chambers, Lamar Chambers, Noah Joseph, Nakaia Joseph, Tony Veal Jr., De’Montae Veal, La’Marus Veal, Dar’Shawn Veal, Todd Mann Jr.,  Princess Calhoun & James Logan IV., Dakota Taylor, Toria Walker, Ty’Russia Sommerville, Sir Will McCail, Xavier McCail, Comfort McCail, Wallace T. Watson, LeVander C. Anderson, Dominik D. Watson, Avierre Elie, Kelaiah Hardy, Tiana King, Josiah White and a host of other grandchildren not named here; his sisters, Betty Jean (Mickey) Jones, Barbara Ann Skipper, and Jacqueline “Darlene” Owens Reid; as well as many other relatives and friends.