Willie D. Pride

U.S. Air Force
1953- 1957
Korean War

Willie D. Pride was born September 29, 1933 in Snyder, Oklahoma. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953 at the height of the Korean War. He served the country again by working for the United States Postal
Service for over a decade.

He later managed and distributed sodas for his privately-owned soft drink company, Black Pride Inc. Willie lived in Brooklyn, New York for many years.

He moved to the community of Port Richmond, Staten Island in 1978. Willie married Aria Gray and they had six children. They remained active members of the community while raising their children. All six graduated from Port Richmond High School. Their two sons became Officers of The U.S. Army; one graduating from West Point Academy and the other from Norwich University.

Willie D. Pride passed away on April 29, 2021. His widow, Aria E. Pride and their four daughters remain community members of the Port Richmond, Elm Park area.

Willie was father to fourteen children, including children from previous marriages and two step children; grandfather and great-grandfather to many.

His written and spoken Christian Ministry spread near and far. Willie made numerous friends and life-long connections. His presence and impact to his family, friends and community is greatly missed and will be remembered for generations to come.

Sponsored by Aria Pride