Willie graduated from Cherokee Vocational High School, Calhoun Community College and the University of North Alabama. In high school Willie was a four sport athlete in football, basketball, baseball and track. In football he lettered four years for the Indians, playing quarterback and defensive back in leading them to a perfect regular season at 10-0 and finished the season with a 12-1 record in 1965-1966. He was selected All-Area and All-State for two years as a defensive back. On the hardwood Willie lettered and started four years while averaging 16 points per game and was selected to the All-Area and All-County team for two years. In baseball he lettered four years, played in two state championship games, played in the Alabama East/West All-Star finals, was chosen All-Area for three years and was the Times Daily Player of the Year his senior season. During his senior season Willie batted .539 with 49 RBI's and stole 37 bases in 37 attempts. After high school he signed a scholarship with Calhoun Community College and followed two years with the War Hawks by signing a scholarship with the UNA Lions. Willie helped the Lions win the Gulf South Conference Championship in 1988-1989 and was selected to the south Regional All-Tournament Team in 1991.