Willie J. Markem

Willie J. Markem, age 92, of Fayette, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, October 07, 2025, at his residence. Services for Mr. Markem will be Friday, October 10, 2025, at Norwood-Wyatt Chapel, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow at Fayette Memorial Gardens. Bro. Scott Montgomery will be officiating the service. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel will be directing the service.

W.J. is preceded in death by his wife; Virginia Faye Box Markem, brothers; William Jesse Markem, Franklin Monroe Markem, Harvey Samuel Markem, and Thomas Junior Markem, and step great-grandson; Kody Meadows.

He is survived by his daughter; Barbara Byars, son; Benjamin “Benjy” (Kimberly) Markem, grandchildren; Jason Boyce, Amy Boyce (James) Meadows, Heath (Kelsea) Byars, Kyle Byars, Madyson (Caleb) Brand, Dalton Markem, and Kolton Markem, great-grandchildren; Brittney Boyce, Katelyn Meadows, Cari Meadows, Lilli Meadows, and Hayden Byars, and great great-grandchildren; J.R. Cook and Ryleigh Fields.

W.J. Markem was a member at First Freewill Baptist Church in Fayette. He worked several blue-collar jobs including both Fayette and Winfield Cotton Mills, Flav-O-Rich, Anderson Heating and Cooling, and North West Alabama Vendors. In his spare time till he retired in 2023, he was known in the community as the “Bicycle Man.” He often accepted trade-in or parts for payment on a good bicycle.

Pallbearers will be Jason Boyce, James Meadows, Heath Byars, Kyle Byars, Robert Thomas, and Willie Harton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Alabama Hospice Care of Jasper, Dr. Fred Yerby, and Staff.