Willie Gray Faniel was the third child and first son born to the late Augusta (Gus) and Carrie Faniel of Bullock County, Alabama, on February 1, 1934. Thirteen children completed this happy family circle.

After attending school in Bullock County, Bro. Faniel moved to Florida, New York, and finally settled in Ozark, Alabama. There, he worked for the Army and Air Force Exchange System at Fort Rucker, Alabama, as an operator of a "Running Chef" mobile café. He became one of the first African American police officers for the Ozark Police Department.

Bro. Faniel moved into a civil service job as a Merchandising Specialist and Auctioneer in the Defense Logistics Agency. He worked in this career and retired after forty years of outstanding service.

He sang with the "Silver Leaves" quartet of Ozark for many years. Bro. Faniel also enjoyed working in the community. He enjoyed fishing and hanging out with other retirees at Hardees, their favorite meeting place.

Willie was an active member of St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church. He served in the following positions: Preacher's Steward, member of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Teacher, and a member of the Male Choir. He was a member of the Lay Council and Sons of Varick organization.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Bessie Faniel, and five children; Stanley, who preceded him in death, Delores Porter (Ozark, Al),  Joyce Ann Agbana (Ozark, Al),  Judy Faniel (Ozark, Al)  and Bernard Faniel (Louisville, Al.), Alfred Pearson (Flint, Michigan), eight grandchildren; Sheriuka Holston (Authur), Marcus Porter (Courtney), Ashley Porter (Jamari Bean), Stephanie Dayo (Ray), Sabrina Faniel, Adrian Faniel, Cherrell Faniel, Brandon Faniel, and many great grandchildren,  two brothers, Harrington ("Pal") Faniel (Ozark, Al), Carrander (Mae Eva) Faniel (Saginaw, Michigan), four sisters, Gussie Lee Rogers (Ozark, Al), Alice Faniel Matthews (Columbia, S.C.), Dartha Faniel (Shreveport, La.), three sisters (Carrie Bell Pleasant, Margaret Keeler, and Dora Sistrunk) and three brothers (Jim Faniel, Jerry Faniel, and George Wallace Faniel) preceded him in death. Willie also had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will always cherish his memories.