Golden, Willie

Willie Golden, Jr of Oak Ridge, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Willie was born on November 2, 1948 in Auburn, AL to the late Willie B. Golden, Sr. and Martha Golden.

Willie was a “stand out� basketball player at Oak Ridge High School where he was the first African American captain, first to be elected captain of an integrated high school team in Tennessee, and one of the first to play in the TSSAA Basketball State Tournament. He received a basketball scholarship to Stillman College in Alabama where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Health Physical Education, and was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Willie was elected to the Oak Ridge Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.

After graduating from college, Willie served in the Army branch of the military. His military experience included serving in the 489th Civil Affairs, 8th Infantry Division (Germany), Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and Task Force Hurricane Andrews Relief.

His work experience consisted of The City of Oak Ridge as Director Scarboro Community Center and later as Recreation Supervisor for Athletics. After almost thirty years of service with The City of Oak Ridge, Willie transitioned to Anderson County Government as First Director of Program for Anderson County Probation Department and later as Director of Pre-Trial Release.

As far as community involvement, Wille served 2-terms (8-years) on Oak Ridge City Council. Also, his community involvement included Oak Valley Baptist Church Trustee Board, Leadership Oak Ridge Graduate 1st Class, Board of Directors: Housing Development Corporation of Clinch Valley, Ridgeview Psychiatric Hospital, Scarboro Day Care Center, and Community Relation Council BWXT Y12.

Willie leaves wife of 54 years, Alma Golden, son Derrick (Dr. Tammalyn), brother, Johnny E. Golden (deceased), sisters, Patricia (the Rev. Henry) Cleveland, Lavonne D. Golden, grandchildren, Thomas, Christian, and Delaney Golden; nephews, the Rev. Michael (Cerissa) Cleveland, Chavez D. (Courtney) Golden, along with a wealth of great nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oak Valley Baptist Church, 194 Hampton Road, Oak Ridge, TN. A funeral service to follow with Rev. Derrick Hammond, eulogist. Interment at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley, Oak Ridge, TN, where full military honors will conclude the service. Due to allergies, the family asked not to send flowers. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or http://www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com
Posted By: Administrator - 05-04-2025
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