Mr. Willie Junius Torain aka ‘WJ’, son of the late Reverend Jeneus Hart Torain and Grace Helen Jones Torain, was born on December 13, 1939 in Durham Co. He departed this life and entered into God’s Kingdom on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.
At an early age he joined Mt. Zion AME Church, Hillsborough, NC, and at age 13 he diligently worked on a farm and learned the meaning of hard work and earning his keep.
Willie graduated from Central High School, Hillsborough, NC, in 1958. After High School he joined the U.S. Army and served from 1958-1964. He was a Paratrooper of the 101st Signal Core U.S. Army Airborne and was stationed in Fort Campbell, KY. Willie fearlessly performed 33 Paratrooper jumps!
After returning home from serving his country, he briefly took a Tailor position at Van Straten in downtown Durham, NC. Later he became employed at Durham County ABC where he managed several stores until his retirement in 1994, after working for the county for 32 years. Willie’s hobby and passion was drag racing as a Mopar connoisseur. He became known as ‘Big Iron’ on the track.
He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Rebecca Marinda Jones Torain and his brother Louis ‘Aaron’ Torain.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, two sons Bennett L. Torain (Senora) Four Oaks, NC; Jermaine L. Torain (Pamela), Hillsborough, NC; one daughter Jamonica L. Torain, Cedar Grove, NC; one brother Larry W. Torain (Alice), Mebane, NC; one sister Rev. Brenda K. Torain, Graham, NC; one uncle Henry C. Jones (Hazel), Hillsborough, NC; seven Grandchildren, one Great-Granddaughter and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
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