Willie French McGlown

Willie French McGlown Sr. 79, of East Corby Boulevard in South Bend, Indiana, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022, in the presence of his loving family.

Willie was born on May 12, 1943, in Oxford, Mississippi to Luke Booker and Lerie Hankins; they both preceded him in death. Willie was raised in a Christian home and his love for God was reflected in his daily walk. He graduated from Oxford High School and went on to join the United States Army where he was recognized as an Expert Marksman. He received an Honorable Discharge after completing his Tour of Duty.

On December 24, 1964, in Oxford, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dorothy Lenell McGlown, and they relocated to South Bend. Dorothy preceded him in death on August 10, 2020.

Willie was a member at Greater New Vision Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Hardy Williams.

 In South Bend Willie secured a position at A M General Corporation and studied Business Administration at Indiana University-South Bend and was member of IUSB’s Class of 1975. He retired after 30 plus years of employment at AM General. He quenched his thirst for crunching numbers and became a very successful entrepreneur. In 1980 he established McGlown’s Tax Service which continues to thrive under the leadership of his children.

 Over the years Willie was involved in many endeavors: he was a member of the Dr. of Jazz CB Club and known to many as “Shoeman.” He also loved to recruit family and friends to join him in ALL of his business ventures. He enjoyed taking part in family events, spending time with his children and grandchildren as well as going to the casino with his late wife, Dorothy. 

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his favorite daughter Rona (Cory) Edmondson; two sons, Willie (Akesma) McGlown Jr. all of South Bend; and Dion (Jamie) McGlown of Fort Wayne, Indiana; 14 grandchildren: Tyshawn, Semaj, Steven, Jazmine, Juwan, Jaqueline, Elijah, Kori, Jamera, KaSaun, Taylin, Lenee, Brooklynn and Diona; 18 great-grandchildren: one sister Katie (George) Fuller of South Bend;  a brother George (Doris) Hankins of Allegan, Michigan along with nine additional  siblings; two special nieces Bridget Hankins and Debbie Fuller; a special nephew, George Hankins; a special cousin Robert Adams; his in-laws Emma Charline Green, Sue Wade Mathis, Alfreeman (Joyce) Martin, Lucy (Alfred) King, Genell (Jerry) Townsend and Mary Martin along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other  relatives and friends that loved him dearly.

Along with his parents and lovely wife, he was also preceded in death by a sister Mary Hankins; an aunt, A.D. Hawkins; cousins Shontel Peterson and Shiquann Wilson; a, great niece Kyshawna Olive, special brother-in-law Alford “Prince” King and a brother-in-law, Lorienzer Green.

His warm and affectionate smile and gentle character will be remembered by those who loved and knew him.

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