Willie Acklen, Jr.

Mr. Willie Acklen, Jr. passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, at Covenant Healthcare-Copper. Age 72 years. Willie was born September 14, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Willie Acklen Sr and Acadia Hillert.

Willie was a resident of Saginaw, MI, and was an Alumni of Arthur Hill High School. Willie proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was employed at General Motors for 35 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed jogging, working out, and dining out with his friends at Tony’s and Applebee's. He loved baseball and his favorite team was the New York Yankees.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory three children, Gale of Los Angeles, CA, Branden (Deloria) Acklen and Lance (Ursula) Acklen, both of Saginaw, MI; five stepchildren, Joyce, August, Maurice, Tracy, and Felicia Williams; thirty one grandchildren; special grandchildren, Lance Acklen Jr., and Salaycia; one great-grandchild, Leilani Rodgers; two sisters, Barbara Acklen, and Liza Johnson; one brother, Henry Acklen; three aunts, four uncles; special cousins, Susan Jewell Kretchman, Mark Jewell, Otto Prezold, Ernie Prezold, and Wanda Prezold; many other relatives and friends including special friends, Terry, John, Burt, Linda, Peter, Joe Holmes, and Ricky Weems.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Acklen; parents Willie Acklen Sr, and Acadia Hillert, three aunts, and one grandson.

The family would like to express special thanks to Ursula Acklen.