William B. Love's Obituary
On January 23, 1941, William Brown Love, the seventh child of Caleb and Callie (Moten) Love, was born in Jones, Alabama. “Bruda,” as William was affectionately called, was known for his humor. Growing up, he would want to “hang” with the older boys, who took pleasure in leaving “Bruda” to care for his two younger sisters, Sista and Carolyn. However, to their amazement, Bruda could outrun them all.
William was baptized in a “creek in Alabama.” When asked why he was getting baptized, he said, “I want to be close to the Lord.” When the family moved to Detroit, they joined the historic Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. James H. Porter. He faithfully served as an usher and trustee for many years. One of the scriptures that William lived by was Luke 10:33, in which a Samaritan traveled and came upon a beaten man and had pity on him.
William Love was educated in Detroit Public Schools. Math was the only subject he embraced, which took him to California in the construction trade. While traveling to work one morning, he stopped to help someone in need. Unfortunately, the car blew up, and William received 3rd degree burns over 80% of his body. This didn’t stop William from helping those in need. He was a self-made handyman. He dabbled in plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and vehicle leasing (often free). As co-owner of a local bar (Nikki’s Lounge) in Northeast Detroit, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to support his brother-in-law, who sold watermelons and other produce. William retired from “Woodlove Construction Company” after many years of service.
After returning from California, William pursued Rosie, and together, they would spend over 40 years of marriage, enjoying life to its fullest. William and Rosie enjoyed time with each other but mostly with family and friends. Shooting pool, playing cards (especially poker), and using colorful language (“cussing”) as he “sipped” on his favorite beverage that brought him joy.
William B. Love is survived by his devoted wife, Rosie. He is also survived by his sons William Bernard Yarber (Anita), Kenneth Carlas, and William Daniel (Kija), all of Detroit, MI, and his predeceased son Fredrick Keith. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters Althora Varner and Carolyn Dawson (Morris), his God-sister Glenda Ramsey from the Detroit Metropolitan area, brothers-in-law Thomas Varner of Birmingham, AL and William Varner of Oak Park, MI, and sister-in-laws Nancy Davis of Detroit, MI and Annie (Pauline) Varner of Clanton, AL. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His siblings Annie Lois Canady, Leotha Jackson, Lorraine Smith, Caleb Love Jr., Horace Love, and Bernard Love Sr are preceding him in death.
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