Mr. Willie James Cameron Jr.

October 7, 1949 - December 11, 2019

Mr. Willie James Cameron, Jr. was born October 7, 1949 in Brandon, MS to the late Willie James Cameron, Sr. and Eva Lewis-Cameron. He was preceded in death by brothers, Johnny (Joe) Boone and Russell Cameron; sisters, Ernestine Carr-Glass, Evastine Cameron, Gloria Clark-English, Terry Cameron-Stubbs and Gail Lewis; grandson, Deion Running Willie grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and graduated from Duluth Central High School. He served as a proud Marine in the Vietnam War. Willie later obtained an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Early in his career, Willie worked with the elderly while living in California. When he returned to Duluth, he was employed by Independent School District #709 as a Special Education Assistant. Simultaneously, he was working for Lutheran Social Services providing advocacy for and street outreach to runaway and homeless youth. Willie also worked at Bethany Crisis Shelter where he cared for infants, adolescents and teens. In the summer of 2019, Willie happily returned to his birthplace of Brandon, Mississippi. He continued his love and passion for working with youth at the Northwest Rankin High School. When he wasn't working, Willie spent his time with family and friends. He loved listening to old school music, playing dominoes and barbecuing. Willie took pride in BBQ skills and always offered to make his infamous ribs for someone. His love for BBQ and his giving nature led him to take his custom made grill and create a side business, Have Grill-Will Travel, catering for special events. Willie loved life, he loved meeting new people, lending a helping hand, laughing and being with family and friends. Willie couldn't go any place without someone knowing who he was or leaving having made new friends. Willie's family finds comfort and peace knowing that he was where he wanted to be when he passed. He will be forever loved and missed. He leaves to cherish his memories: daughters, Kimberly Stewart of Richmond, CA, Rhonda (Mark) Jilek of Duluth, MN, Contina Cameron of Sacramento, CA, Jessica (Jason) Conner-Holmes of Eagan, MN, Jessica Cameron of Minneapolis, MN; son, Justin Cameron of Duluth, MN; uncle, Daniel Cameron, Jr. of John, MS; brothers, Roland Johnson, Raymond (Barbara) Cameron, Royce Cameron and Ronald (Kristi) Cameron all of Duluth, MN, Jimmy (Laura) Clark of Jackson, MS, Gil (Jodelyn) Lewis of Hayward, CA, Robert (Gertrude) Lewis of Stockton, CA; sisters, Jessie (Alfred) Thomas of Brandon, MS, Dr. Mary Cameron of Minneapolis, MN, Christine Johnson of Aurora, CA, Julie (Floyd) Edmonds of Mobile, AL, Patrice Cameron, Sandra Cameron both of Duluth, MN and Pauline Jones of East St. Louis, Il; grandchildren, Alexis, Amari, Angelo, Ashley, Cadee, Johnny, Calay'asia, Cameron, Cay'vion, Cedric, Cheyenne, Christina, Con Sepciona, Javon, Marcus and Trevon, six great grandchildren; Goddaughter, Destiny Deere; favorite nieces, Tiffany and Toni; special friends, Donna Johnson, Mary Butler and cousin, Howard Thompson.