WILLIE TURNER, former Seattle businessman, transitioned to be with the Lord on December 10, 2020, after battling pancreatic cancer. Willie had relocated to Montgomery, Alabama last year after closing Willie's Taste of Soul BBQ & Custom Smokehouse, which was a Seattle BBQ staple for over 25 years.
Willie moved to Seattle from his hometown of Tallulah, Louisiana in 1977 to work in his family's businesses, then Tradewinds on Martin Luther King and R&L Home of Good BBQ in Seattle's Central Area. He began his own BBQ legacy in 1985 with Le'Q on Greenlake and ended with Willie's Taste of Soul, which first opened on Beacon Avenue So. in 1994. Willie's final location was 3427 Rainier Avenue So. in Seattle until he closed in August 2019. "Big Willie" thoroughly enjoyed what he did. Bar-B-Que was his passion. He was always grateful for how the community supported him through the years and he returned the support whenever asked.
Willie Turner is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Rubie Lee Turner; and 2 brothers, Albert Jr. and Robert. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his beloved daughter, Koniko Dionne Turner, Oxon Hill, MD; former wife and devoted caregiver, Brenda Turner, Montgomery, AL; his Seattle family, Mary Davis, Barbara Davis, Pierre Davis, Pat Collins and their children; 7 sisters, Rutha Rose, Connie Frye, Paula Miller, Delores, Carolyn, and Pamela Turner, Tulsa, Ok; and Daisey Unuigbey, Corinth, TX; 5 brothers, Roosevelt Glasper, Spanaway, WA, and McKinley, Charles, Joe and Huey Turner, Oklahoma City, OK; a close cousin, Gilbert Newman, Compton, CA; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Wow.. I know I’m three years late, but my condolences.. I grew up on the red velvet cake and memories with my mom. I was barely looking over the counter at him when he was at Beacon Ave S address when I would order.. I am very surprised to read that he passed from the same type of cancer my mom passed from. I was really hoping to go grab a slice and reminisce on the good days.. my heart goes out to the family, this hits deep, I had so many great memories of him and this restaurant..
So sorry to hear. My cousin will definitely be sad, she loved his restaurant.
I offer my condolences to the family of Willie Turner former owner of Willie's Taste of Soul. I just found out about his passing. If anyone knows where in Montgomery, AL his family may have a restaurant location. Please send us an email to info@manonthespot.biz or go to www.manonthespot.biz . We have a courier location in that area of the country. We would love to send our delivery drivers there to patronize Big Willie's family members. That guy used to cook some of the best BBQ Ribs and Chicken. Also, potato salad, yams, mac & cheese, cornbread, greens, fried turkey, sweet potato pie, coconut cake and peach cobbler.
Yum, Yum!
A Willie's Taste of Soul customer forever.