Willie J. Mobley

Willie J. Mobley, age 84, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Willie was born in Edgefield, NC, son of the late Minnie Ethel (Key) and John Henry Mobley. Willie graduated from high school and was drafted by the New York Yankees. Willie spent multiple seasons playing in the minor leagues, reaching the level of triple AAA baseball. Willie went on to pursue a career in management for the Philadelphia Bulletin and the Philadelphia Inquirer until his retirement. In his free time, Willie enjoyed golfing, fishing, landscaping, and spending time with his friends and family. In addition to his parents, Willie was also predeceased by his brothers, John Mobley Jr., Chuck Mobley, and Vernon Mobley.

Willie is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Donna Mobley; daughter and her husband, Kellie (Jay) Thurman; son and his wife, William (Ana) Mobley; grandchildren, LJ and Devan Thurman, and Landon Mobley; sisters, Jean and her husband (Ronald) Adams, Novella and her husband (Joseph) Harden; brother, Lee Mobley; very close friends, predeceased, Dr. Ronald Wood and surviving wife, Sandra; and a host of nieces, nephews, whom he all loved.

Funeral services for Willie will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Willie’s name to the African American Diabetes Association.