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William “Willie” Lee Strell, 71, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Born on February 13, 1954, in LaSalle, Illinois, to the late Frank and Amelia Strell, Willie was one of four boys who grew up with a deep love of sports, camaraderie, and family. He went to LaSalle-Peru Township High School, where he was captain of the golf team and built lifelong friendships. An exceptional student and natural leader, Willie earned a prestigious appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, graduating with the Class of 1976. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom, T-38 Talon, and the A-5 Aggressor during his distinguished career. While stationed at Hahn AFB in Germany, Willie met the love of his life, Vickie Stinnett. They married and shared over 44 wonderful years together, raising two children, Rebecca and Bradshaw. After returning stateside, the Strells lived in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and later Las Vegas, Nevada, before settling in Memphis, Tennessee, where Willie transitioned from military service to a career as a commercial pilot for Federal Express. He proudly served as a Captain for FedEx for over 30 years, balancing his professional life with his greatest joys: family, golf, and cheering for his favorite teams—the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Alabama football. In retirement, Willie and Vickie moved to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where they became active members of Wachesaw Plantation Club. There, Willie spent countless happy hours on the golf course and developed cherished friendships. He and Vickie also loved to travel, exploring more than 50 countries together and especially enjoying river cruises with friends. The couple split their time between South Carolina and their beloved retreat in Fairhope, Alabama, where Willie loved spending time with his precious grandchildren and walking his dog, Wrigley, along the shores of Mobile Bay. Beyond his achievements and passions, Willie will be remembered most for the way he lived—with loyalty, humor, and a quiet generosity that touched countless lives. To know him was to love him, and his legacy lives on in the love of his family, the friendships he cherished, and the many memories he leaves behind. Willie is survived by his devoted wife, Vickie Stinnett Strell; his daughter, Rebecca Strell Roberts (Mark); his son, William Bradshaw Strell; his cherished grandchildren, William York Roberts and Amelia Ann Roberts; his brothers, Frank Strell and Fred Strell; sisters-in-law Jill Strell, Gaynelle Stinnett, and Pat Campbell; brother-in-law Ricky Stinnett; and numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Amelia Strell; his father-in-law Roy Gay Stinnett and mother-in law Mozelle Stinnett; his brother Richard Strell; brothers-in-law Bill, Ronnie, and Gay Stinnett and Bill Campbell; and sister-in-law Dorothy Stinnett. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. A celebration of Willie’s life will follow at Kimbels at Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina where all are welcome. The family requests that memorial gifts be made in support of the Heart and Vascular Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston.

Tributes

William "Willie" Lee Strell

February 13, 1954 - July 20, 2025