 Willie James Dinkins Sr. Biography:
From: John Dupla <vistkr@aol.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2020 10:49 PM
To: davebroeker@comcast.net;
Subject: Obituary for Willie James Dinkins
FYI,
concerning the passing of a tracker. He
was not a VDHA member, however, he could be added to our deceased list.
John Dupla
-----Original
Message-----
From: Sue Merritt <lz2bits2@msn.com>
Cc: Willie Dinkins Sr. <wdinkins@gmail.com>
Sent: Sun, Sep 6, 2020 7:35 am
Subject: Obituary for Willie James Dinkins
Dearest Tracker Family,
Please see attached link to view the obituary for our own Willie
Dinkins, Sr. (557th IPCT). Willie was a champion for civil rights…and
a superb Tracker. Keep him and his family in your prayers. The Facebook CTT
page has a note announcing this by Willie Dinkins, Jr. If you want to reach out,
he is on Facebook.
God bless and keep you all and may our brother Willie rest in the
arms of our God.
Love, Sue
Obituary for Willie James Dinkins Sr.
View details at https://www.hudsonvalleyfuneralhomes.com/obituary/willie-dinkins
Brought to you by Hudson Valley Funeral Homes
https://www.hudsonvalleyfuneralhomes.com
Willie James Dinkins, Sr. passed suddenly on 8/27/2020 at the age
of 73. He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Margaret Travis-Dinkins, his
sons, Willie James Jr (Amy), Travis Kendall (Yazmi), his two glorious
granddaughters (Morgan Mary and Dylan Ann), his sisters (Della Dinkins and Tina
Dessio), nieces and nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, his posse (JoAnn, Ella, Daminga and James), and Mona.
Willie was born August 18, 1947 in Sumter, South Carolina. His
mother Sadie Mae died, and he was raised by his grandmother (Marthenia
Dinkins).
Growing up in the south during the civil rights movement, he was
mentored by the late Frank Robertson, Sr. (field coordinator of CORE). He was
extremely proud to talk about his participation in protest demonstrations in
Sumter, S.C. He was identified specifically by local police and KKK “for
special attention”. He proudly reports he held the record for most arrests
1962-1965. One moment that stood in his memory was participating in a sit-in at
the local S.H. Kress Drugstore when receiving news of President Kennedy’s
assassination. He remained a strong advocate for equal rights and respect.
His grandmother strongly encouraged him to enter the US Army at
the age of 17 upon graduation from high school (1965). He served at various
U.S. stateside facilities and completed two tours during the Vietnam War
(‘67-’68 and ‘70-‘71) He remained in service for 11+ years, and held the rank
SSG E-6upon discharge. He spent time as a drill sergeant, assigned to 3d U.S.
Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and 75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger), 1st Cav
Div. While deployed during the Vietnam War he was part of the Combat Tracker -
557th IPCT- 101st Airborne Division.
After he left the army, Willie held numerous different positions,
his dedication in caring for and helping others was demonstrated in his most
favorite experience as an adolescent substance abuse counselor. He was a
lifetime member of the VFW, and the American Legion.
Willie touched many lives. He was very much present, even when he
just sat in the corner reading his book. He enjoyed his sweets and coffee,
traveling, singing, playing with his granddaughters and his family.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 4 to 7
PM at Allen Funeral Home, 1605 Main St. Pleasant Valley, NY 12569.
Due to Covid-19 wait times may be longer than usual.
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