Willie C. Fuqua

Willie C. Fuqua, beloved husband of Elizabeth Roberts Fuqua passed away at home on May 1, 2021.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Judith Page Fuqua.

 Born in Soperton, GA on December 12, 1936 to Hazel Cook Fuqua and Ira Fuqua, Willie graduated from Treutlen County Training School, attended Hampton University, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from South Carolina State University. He moved to Connecticut in 1956 where he later earned a Master’s degree in secondary education and music education from the University of Hartford.

   Willie’s 35-year career as music teacher at Riverview School, Middletown, CT, created an impact on the lives of hundreds of students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.  He also taught at Greater Hartford Community College. 

 While living in East Hampton and Middle Haddam, Willie was an active member of the East Hampton Democratic Town Committee and served on the Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Willie used his music talent in extended areas.  He was choir director at St. Andrew’s Church in Meriden.  He also directed the choir at Christ Episcopal Church in Middle Haddam for 35 years and continued afterwards as a choir member.  Willie loved his Christ Church family.

 Being a faithful member and volunteer at Christ Church since 1970, Willie served many years as a delegate to the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, a delegate to the Middlesex Deanery, and served on the Vestry at Christ Church.

Willie enjoyed much throughout his life.  His family was of the utmost importance to him and he loved spending time with his children, Betty’s children, extended family, and friends. He was a passionate supporter of University of Connecticut women’s basketball team and was a 25-year season ticket holder to the University of Connecticut men’s basketball games.  Willie was a devoted fan of the New York Mets for 50 years. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, and doing yard work.

 Willie had many loved ones and dear friends.  Mourning his loss are his wife, Elizabeth Fuqua; his children:  Jennifer Fuqua (Michael) of Middletown, CT; Sean Fuqua of Los Angeles; Dr. Jeanne Fuqua (Sherif) of New Haven, CT, and Doris Farmer of Dublin, GA.  Also, mourning his loss are Betty’s sons John Herbst and his daughter, Mira, of Adelaide, South Australia; and Peter Herbst (Hauns) of Boston, MA.  He leaves two special people, Margaret Zhang and Justina Ye who entered his and Betty’s lives 14 years ago.  Willie was predeceased by his sisters Lois Smith and Iradell Carter, and by his brother, Richard Fuqua.  He is survived by brothers and sisters:  Gloria Eppinger; Henry L. Fuqua (Barbara), Gene Fuqua (Bertha); Charles Fuqua; Mary Warner (Thomas); Marian Ealey (Rod); Patricia Lovett (Colbert); and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand- nephews.  Willie’s Christ Church family was so loved by him and they will also miss him immensely.

 Calling hours will be at Spencer’s Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East Hampton, CT. on Wednesday May 5th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Burial will be private.  A celebration of Willie’s life will be held at a later date, following the CDC’s COVID guidelines and will be announced in The Hartford Courant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Christ Episcopal Church, Box 81, Middle Haddam CT 06456. To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

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