Willie Earvin “Knot” Ringo was born to Willie “Jack” and Mytrice Ethel Ringo on March 24, 1949 in Calhoun County, MS. He departed this life on April 12, 2021.
He received his formal education at Webster County Training School in Eupora. He was a very good basketball player for the Bluedevils. He was coached by Coach William C. Ford. He served as Head Umpire at Winona Parks and Recreation from 1988 until 1998. He was a part-time Cameraman and full-time booster for Winona High School basketball team.
Willie served as a member of the Executive Committee for the Mississippi Voices of Faith Mass Choir, Chief Steward of the local union at Screw Conveyor in 1987, a member of Winona Voters League, and member of Winona Democratic Committee.
He was a starting 2nd Baseman for the Winona All-Stars Semi-Pro team from 1977 until 1979. Watching and playing basketball were his hobbies in his younger years, although in his later years his favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys Football Team, the Golden State Warriors Basketball Team and the Atlanta Braves Baseball Team.
Willie Earvin confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church in Dentontown, Miss. Later, he united with Winona Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon for several years. He has a special love for his Winona Baptist Church Family.
He was united in holy matrimony to the late Betty Faye Forrest Ringo on February 15, 1970 and to this union four sons were born- Roger, Rodney, Regas, and Reagan.
His employment history includes Sweetheart Cup Company, Chicago, IL, Heatcraft, Screw Conveyor, Winona School District Athletics Department, Sports Official (referee), City of Winona Recreation League, and Central MS Incorporated Fatherhood Coordinator serving Carroll, Montgomery, and Webster Counties. He earned a Welding Certificate in 1978.
Willie Earvin shared fond memories of a 5 minute conversation with Mahammad Ali in 1979 at Grambling State University.
On October 18, 2008, Willie Earvin was united in holy matrimony to Jeanette Bledsoe. They have two daughters, Andrea and Ravean.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Forest Ringo and a son, Regas Ringo.
Willie Earvin leaves to cherish his loving memory a loving and caring wife, Jeanette B. Ringo of Winona; three sons, Roger Ringo of Winona, Rodney (Tangelas) Ringo of Starkville, and Reagan Ringo of Indianapolis, Ind.; two daughters, Andrea J E. Bledsoe of Duck Hill, and Ravean C. Seals of Winona, ten grandchildren, Tiyunna Ringo, Regas Ringo, Jr., Reniah Ringo, Rekell Ringo, Tanissa Ringo, Ashton Ringo, Jordan Ringo, Cassie Thomas, Chelsea Seals and Chase Collins; five great grand children, Rae 'Lynn Ringo, Jae ”Lynn Hodges, Jameson Hodges, Kannon Ringo and Omari Ringo; ten sisters, Earnestine P. (George) Marshall and Ella (Lamar) Dumas both of Eupora, Mary (Sammy) Pack, Lee (Lawrence) Peavy, Allie Britton, Jennie (John) Thrasher and Pamela (Eugene) Bolden all of Chicago, Ill.; Nancy (Otha) Rule, Nina (Curtis) Williams and Rhonda (Tony) Alsup all of Midland, Texas; three brothers, Miller (Yolanda ) Ringo of Chicago, Ill., Melvin (Sarah) Ringo of Chesapeake, VA and Gary (Lashenia) Ringo of Midland, Texas, a special cousin, Earnest "Boochie" (Vernice) Pass of Columbus, and a host of other relatives, church members, and friends.
