Willie's
Bar-B-Que

Starting at the young age of 15 he began driving 18-wheeler trucks. He soon married his wife, Pearlie Mae (Habbit) and endeavored on their lifelong journey together. He believed in hard work and perseverance. In addition to driving trucks, he started a landscaping business and worked part time to make sure his family was cared for. He eventually opened a bar and then a restaurant. He moved his restaurant business from Pflugerville to Austin in 1991 when he opened Willie's Bar-B-Que. He operated his business in "East Austin" for 29 years. With support and love from the community his business thrived. He enjoyed going to work and greeting all his loyal customers. It became a place where you could go grab a bite to eat and get a little advice from a friendly face. Willie lived through good times and bad, segregation, and Jim Crow laws and yet somehow made it to a place where he was his own boss! He loved to sit and talk shop with all the guys that came in, young and old. He also tried to keep a special treat for all the kids. Seeing those smiling faces made him happy. He will truly be missed.