Willie "Andy" Andrews

Willie "Andy" Andrews, a.k.a. "Sweet Willie" 64, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2012 in UMass Hospital. "Sam" as he was known in The South, is survived by his loving wife and friend of thirty-three years, Mary P. "Pat" (Glenn) Andrews; a daughter, Shamekia (Andrews) Kea and her husband Shaleek N. Kea, Sr. of Worcester; a step-daughter, Tara L. Washington of Worcester; a step-son, Gregory S. Washington, Sr. of Charlotte, North Carolina; a brother, Sanders "Buddy" Kendrick of New Jersey; three sisters, Judy Heard and her husband Floyd of Washington, GA, Naomi Norman and her husband Jimmy of Decatur, GA and Patricia A. Andrews also of Decatur; eleven grandchildren, Jasiah "Pikachu", Journey "Lemonade", Shaleek, Jr. "Hip Hop", Nikita "DoDo", Trey, Marcus, Dominique, Latoya, Greg Jr., Derelle and Daijah; two great grandchildren, Dwayne Johnson, Jr. and D'Asia Johnson; a God-Daughter, Tracie Ducharne of Worcester; a special family friend, Vanessa Jones; many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Shirley "Mug" Daniels. Willie was born in Tignall, Georgia son of Ms. Lou Neil Andrews and was raised by his loving uncle, Grady Andrews, Sr. of Tignall, GA. Willie grew up in a large family in Georgia and quickly learned that he needed to help the family put food on the table, so he picked up kitchen utensils and went to work, preparing the meals that would sustain his family with nourishment and love. He joined the Army at an early age and travelled throughout the United States, working on various Army bases and National Guard Reserve Centers, where he was lovingly known as "Andy Cap The Cook". He served in the Army and National Guard for over forty years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant in July 2008. He was a member of Belmont A.M.E. Zion Church, member of the Quinsigamond Lodge of Elk's 173; The Past Exalted Rulers Council #2; The King David Lodge #7 of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge F & A.M. of Massachusetts and an original charter member of the VFW Post 312. Throughout his career with the military, Willie could be found volunteering at any number of places including his church, the Grand Lodge and The Elk's Lodge. He was a great man, who was loved by everyone. His smile was contagious and his heart was as big as the moon. He loved and cherished his family, but found greatest joy in his grandchildren. He leaves the world with a smile and a legacy for his family to tell a story. Calling hours for Willie will be held on Saturday, December 1, in Belmont A.M.E. Zion Church, 55 Illinois Street, Worcester, from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon, Members of King David Lodge #7 will perform their Masonic Ritual during calling hours at 11 a.m. His Funeral Service will follow at Noon. Interment with Military Honors in The Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, Winchendon, will be held privately. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to The Willie Andrew's Grandchildren's Fund, in care of The Willie Andrews GC Fund at TD Bank, 430 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606, for their everyday care and needs. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, Worcester