Mr. Willie J. "Ducky" Giles

August 12, 2020

UTICA - Mr. Willie J. “Ducky” Giles, age 69, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 with the love and comfort of his family by his side. ​Willie was born in 1951, in Utica where he was raised and educated, a graduate of Utica Free Academy. Willie worked for the Department of Public Works for 18 years and Barrett Paving Company for 10 years. He was known and loved by many people. Willie also was a Baptist and came to know Jesus at a young age. ​He was a master of all trades including cooking, cleaning, sewing, braiding hair, and cutting hair. He was a great basketball player. He was blessed with a strong singing voice and “One In a Million” was one of the songs he enjoyed crooning. He was an excellent fisherman, an awesome card player, and he would outbeat you in pool and chess. Willie was an all-American dad and he was also a father-figure to the community. He enjoyed boxing matches and karate shows. Willie was the most kind-hearted man you could ever know. Any time someone needed a hand, whether it was giving a ride or helping with car repairs, Willie would assist. He was Mr. Handyman Ducky, and he was genuinely loved by many. ​Willie is survived by his adopted sister, Leanna; his children, Marwin Austin Giles, Ramoo Duce Giles, Vondine (Marcus) Reed, Moriah (William) Morris, Precious Giles, Willie Jayson Giles, the mother of his five children, Carolyn Griffin; his companion, Albertha “Berta” Story; his grandkids, Shontasia, Denea, Marsean, Maniya, Desmonique, Narissa, Marqueze, Ramoo Jr., Isiah, Heaven, Xavier, Marcus Jr., Jeremiah, Najaquan, Shyvon, Nehemiah, Zechariah, Tahjmaleek, Michael, Isiah, Elijah, Nassir, Syncere, Ryan Jr., Precious, and Ezariah; great-grandchildren, Tahjmaleek “Jun” Jr., Arian, and Zahir; his special cousin, Jamie Freeman; his best friends, Alex Jefferson and Lester Henderson, and a host of family and friends. Willie was predeceased by his parents, MaryLee Kave and Samuel Giles; his grandmother, Mary Jane Freeman; and his grandson, Jeremiah Giles. ​The family would like to give special thanks to the two nurses from the ICU Unit at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center , Jackie and Kevin, for the compassionate medical care they rendered to Willie. ​Visitation will be held Friday morning from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to the current restrictions, we will be operating at a limited occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the Giles family. We will only allow ten people into the building as ten people exit. Face masks must be worn and contact tracing will be implemented. Willie’s funeral service and Home Going celebration will be held on Friday at 12:00 noon immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Bishop Daren Page officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow graveside at Forest Hill Cemetery. ​Please take a moment to connect with Willie’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. ​Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.