Willie Ray Allison

Willie Ray “Sonny” Allison, age 72, of Hampton, Virginia, passed away on January 30, 2026. Born December 28, 1953, in Kingsburg, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Ralph Allison, Sr. and the late Jessie Mae Brown Allison.

Willie grew up in Florence, South Carolina, and joined St. Mark AME Church in Johnsonville at an early age. His faith remained important throughout his life as he worshipped in churches wherever he was stationed. After graduating from McClenaghan High School in 1972, he later earned his associate’s degree from Tidewater Community College in Hampton Roads. 

Willie proudly served in the United States Navy from October 17, 1972, until his retirement on February 28, 1999, completing 26 years of honorable service and retiring as a Chief Petty Officer (E-7). He would tell everyone that he would meet, that he served a total of 26 years, 4 months, 29 days, 9 hours, and 45 minutes. His naval career included assignments aboard numerous vessels, including the USS Orion (AS-18), USS Pensacola (LSD-38), and USS Hayler (DD-977). After leaving the Navy, Willie worked as an electrician at George G. Sharp, Inc. and later at Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding until he retired in 2014.

Known for his love of cooking, especially grilling, Willie brought joy to family and friends with his “Have Grill, Will Travel” motto. He was a dedicated fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys, and he cherished the time he spent visiting loved ones.Deeply committed to brotherhood and service, Willie was a member of the St. Mark AME Trustee Board; Past Master of Eastern Light Lodge #4; a Noble of the Mystic Shrine Zem Temple #122; and a member of the Queen Esther–New Thomas Wheaton Chapter No. 2, Order of the Eastern Star, Norfolk, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Maggie Jean Allison. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Deborah T. Allison of the home in Hampton, VA; his daughter, CaTina Marie Allison; grandsons Jermayne “JJ” Hawkins, Jr. and Jahmal “JR” Hawkins of Hampton, VA; brothers, Ralph (Gladys) Allison, Jr. and Johnny (Katrina) Allison, Sr. of Florence, SC; sister Wanda Faye Allison of Stonecrest, GA; special sister Dorothy King of Florence, SC; four aunts Vernie Ruth Gorley of Johnsonville, SC, Lucille Young of New York, NY, Leola Townes of Jamaica, NY, and Sarah Ward of Baldwin, NY along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Willie will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark AME Church Youth Fund in recognition of Willie’s lifelong connection to his home church.

• St. Mark AME Church
• Attn: Rev. Janice McMillian
• 1532 Kingsburg Hwy.
• Johnsonville, SC 29555
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Please keep the family of Willie Ray Allison in your thoughts and prayers.