William A. English Jr.

William Archie English, Jr. was born on September 23, 1927 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to the late William A English, Sr. and Ruth (Robinson) English. He was the only child.

He attended Eureka Public School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. After graduation, he attended Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama and later joined the United States Army. After leaving the Army, he returned to Tuskegee to complete his bachelor’s degree.

While at Tuskegee he met the love of his life, Almena Forbes. They married in Chicago, Illinois in January of 1953. The union lasted 59 years when Almena passed in 2012. He was employed with several companies in Chicago. He worked at the Illinois Toll Road and later as a drafting instructor at Tilden Technical High School for Chicago Public Schools. He later transferred to Lindblom Technical High School and became a Woodshop Instructor. Bill retired from Chicago Public Schools in 1992.

Bill also served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 1791 at Lilydale Baptist Church and earned a number of awards. While serving as Scoutmaster, he was Brotherhood level member of the Order of the Arrow and earned The Silver Beaver award.  He was also active in the Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Alumni association for many years earning numerous awards for his service.

William Archie English, Jr. departed this life on Sunday July 2, 2023 to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his Grandmother Martha Pugh, Parents William Archie English Sr. and Ruth (Robinson) English, Wife Almena (Forbes) English, Son Marvin Jerome Rochelle and Grandson Lloyd Alan English.

Bill leaves to cherish his memories: Son and Daughter-In-law William A. English III and Valerie English; Daughter-in-law Faye Rochelle; Grandsons Anthony Foster, Jerome Rochelle, William A. English, IV and Delmar English; two Sisters-in-law, Shirley Johnson and Sylvia Long along with a host of nieces, nephews and many dear and longtime friends.