Ozie Wafer

Ozie Wafer was born in Homer, Louisiana on March 11, 1935 through the union of Lem Wafer Sr. and Icey (Lewis) Wafer. He was the youngest of three children -- the baby brother. He was baptized and became a member of Lane Chapel CME Church in Homer. With a calm demeanor and charming personality, he easily made friends. He was a popular student and football player. After graduating from Homer Colored High School (now called Homer High school) he moved to Dayton Ohio, where his sister Naomi Woodfork resided. A year later he relocated to Los Angeles where his older brother, Lem Wafer, Jr. lived. In Los Angeles he joined the U.S. Marines when he received an honorable discharge in 1962. In 1964 he met Lillie Carter. Their first date was at a football game -- connecting on something they were both passionate about: sports. Falling in love and becoming life partners, they made a family with Lillie's then eight-year-old daughter Debbie. They bought a home in Compton, CA and resided there until his death. To Debbie, Ozie was Dad, he was always thoughtful and loving to them. He was part of Lillie's family, earning the title BBQ King for barbecuing monthly for everybody. Ozie had a great work ethic, spending 35 years working for the textile company Fabri Cote as a plant supervisor until retirement. He attended Phillips Temple CME Church in Los Angeles. Always a dapper dresser, Ozie took great care of his appearance. His classy outfits were legendary among the family. He was physically active until he became ill. From riding his stationary bike, jogging around his backyard, playing with his dog Sarge, eliminating red meat, quitting smoking and drinking, physical health was a priority. He lived to see his favorite team, the LA Dodgers, win the 2020 World Series. Surely, he would have been at the stadium if the Covid-19 pandemic hadn't cancelled public events. He was a man of emotional strength and compassion. He fought his disease like the quiet warrior he was. Among his nieces, nephews and greats, he was their favorite, the cool uncle. He was one you could count on for the extra things you needed while in school. He was supportive and curious about what you were studying. He died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on January 30, 2021. He was preceded in death by his life partner, his father, mother and brother, who passed away in 2013, 1968, 1996 and 1991 respectively. Ozie leaves behind to continue his legacy and to celebrate his life, sister, Naomi (Wafer) Woodfork, daughter, Debbie King, nieces, Deborah (Ashaka), Deneda (Shay), nephews, Jeffrey, Dale and Damon Wafer, Jonathan and Terry Woodfork, brother and sister-in-law Roy and Joetta McCullor, countless cousins, great nieces, great nephews, relatives and friends. Ozie Wafer's gentleness and kindness will not be forgotten and will live on in all of us.