Louis Willie Jr

Louis J. Willie Jr (born c. 1923, died September 16, 2007 in Birmingham, was a successful Birmingham business executive who helped break the color barrier in business and sports circles.

Willie helped the late A.G. Gaston build a business empire that included Booker T. Washington Insurance, Citizens Federal Savings Bank and the WENN-FM and WAGG-AM radio stations.

In July 1990, Willie became first black member of the Shoal Creek Country Club, defusing a racial controversy that nearly led the Professional Golf Association to cancel its tournament there.

References

• Williams, Roy L. "Business leader Lou Willie, who broke color barriers, dies" (September 17, 2007), Birmingham News.