Willie Lee Eley Jr was born in Isle of Wight county Va, on March 1, 1952 to the late Willie and Willie Essie Eley. Willie was affectionately known to everyone as UNCLE JOE. Uncle Joe departed this life at Ellis Hospital Schenectady NY on December 9, 2020. Uncle Joe graduated from Springfield Gardens high school and attended St John's University. After completing two years of college in 1972 he enlisted in the United states Army. Uncle Joe honorably served his country during the Vietnam War as a medical specialist. During his college years, Uncle Joe was in a band called The Pamojo Brothers where he played the bass guitar. He appreciated music and instruments and was an active member of the musicians union in New York City. He is survived by a sister, Judy Eley of Newport News VA, a niece Sahoutah Carey-Lanier of NY, Cornell Lanier 1st of NY, Nephews Darnell and Joshua, niece Summer of Newport News VA. Great niece Delois Quornay, Cody Brown, Great Nephews Laquan of FL, Marquis, Xavier, and Mekhi all of NY. Great-Great nephews Ezekiel, Ezra, E'nyjah, Emari, and great-great niece Eve all of NY. Nephew Christopher, nieces Trinetty, and Jozalynn Lanier of NY. He had a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. Proceeded him in death are sisters Delois Ann Eley-Albright and Margaret Eley Rest in Love The Shofar blew three times and he opened the gate! The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 4:00-7:00PM at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Military honors will be held on Friday at 4:00PM.