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Bro. Willie Elbert Peeples, affectionately known as Slick and sometimes Squirrel, was born on June 22, 1957 to the late Andrew McGhee, Sr. & the late Louise Peeples Talley. He departed this life on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in Selma. He accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age and joined Plantersville Grove Baptist Church. Later, he joined Rosedale CME Church and St. Paul CME Church where he served as Stewart (Deacon) at both churches and thereafter assisted, Rev. Joyce England Peeples, in her itinerant pastoral ministry with the Christian Methodist Church. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Joyce Miranda England on August 31, 1991. To this union three children were born: Jeremy Christopher, Jennie Annabella, and Jasmine Nicole. Willie was a dedicated father and husband who prioritized his children and wife. He was extremely family-oriented and concerned himself with the interests and activities of his family.

Willie enjoyed sports of all kinds. He loved the game of basketball and played for his beloved Dallas County High School, Lutheran College (Concordia College – Selma), and Stillman College. He received his bachelor’s degree in Education in May 1979 from Stillman College. After a brief stint of teaching, he went on to work for International Paper for over 30 years. He also worked for the City of Selma for eight  years as the Superintendent of the Cemetery Department. He was honored to assist people during challenging bereavement times and made sure their experience was uncomplicated and professional. Willie was a true believer in community service and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Selma Alumni Chapter.

He enjoyed western movies of all kind, so much so that his enthusiasm for them would cause non-western lovers to wonder how they ever made it without westerns at all. His favorites were Lonesome Dove, Legends of the Fall, Joe Kidd, and most loved Django Unchained. He could and would quote most of the lines in the scripts. He was hilarious and loved to make others smile. He equally loved the outdoors, nature, and animals of all kind. He absolutely loved National Geographic, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and documentaries of all types. Willie was an avid learner and outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, ranching, fishing, and hunting.

He was preceded in death by both his mother and father. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Shirley (Jessie) Sullivan. Willie leaves to cherish his wife, Rev. Joyce England Peeples, six children: Devan Peeples of Selma Dexter Peeples of Montgomery, Brittany (Tavares) Wilson of Birmingham, Jeremy Peeples of Selma, ; Jennie Peeples of Selma, ; and Jasmine Peeples of Montgomery. One granddaughter Teagan Wilson of Birmingham, . Four brothers, Clarence (Emmetterress) Peeples of Gadsden,; Andrew McGhee, Jr. of Plantersville,, Michael McGhee of Selma, Ceasar McGhee of Valley Grande, and Sherman McGhee of Plantersville. Two sisters, Lynn (Izell) Marzette, Plantersville, and Belinda (Lorenzo) Gilchrist of Montgomery, ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Graveside services have been scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 1 p.m. from the Pineview Memory Gardens with the Reverend Clinton Peeples, officiating and Lewis Brothers Funeral Home serving with excellence through professional service.