George B. Willie, Sr., 94, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, in Leupp. He was born on Sept. 18, 1923, in Sawmill. His mother and fathers’ clans were Bitterwater/Edgewater. A celebration of life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Leupp Presbyterian Church in Leupp. A viewing will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, at Leupp Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery-Camp Navajo, 14317 Veterans Drive in Bellemont. George attended school at Fort Wingate. He worked for various employers throughout his life including, the Navajo Nation, Navajo Engineering, Construction Authority and Leupp School, Inc. Some significant contributions throughout his work include, construction at Glen Canyon Dam, El Paso Pipelines, windmills throughout the Navajo Nation and water line construction in many Navajo communities. During his retirement he took care of livestock, spending time with grandchildren and enjoyed traveling with family. He was a Navajo Code Talker and served his country with the United States Marine Corps from 1943-1946. George is survived by his wife, Emma Jean Willie of Leupp; sons, John B. Willie of Leupp and George Boyd Willie Jr. of Chino Valley; daughters, Emily Tsosie, Delores Lee and Annabelle Smallcanyon of Leupp; sister, Jennie B. Martin of Crownpoint, N.M.; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd and Altsáá Baa’ Willeto; sons, Benny L. Huskon, Justin B. Willie and Arthur B. Willie; daughter, Josephine Talayumptewa; sister, Nellie Carroll; and brother John B. Willeto, Sr.
