Obituary of Willie Benjamin Mavins Jr

Willie B. Mavins Jr., affectionately known as “Taters”, 79 passed away on Friday morning, September 24^th 2021 in Syracuse, New York.  Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, he was the son of Willie B. Mavins Sr. and Ola Irons. Willie was a soul/blues singer, songwriter, and self-taught guitarist best known for his original songs “Hey You”, “Greedy Man” and “I Can’t Sleep”. He also made his living as an architectural drafter, painter, and flooring contractor. Willie was a solo artist but during his music career he was also the lead singer in a Central New York band called “Quick Change”. In 2013, his musical talent earned him a Sammy Hall of Fame Award. He will be remembered for his selflessness, hard work, wisdom, wit, infectious laugh, genuine spirit, and his charming smile. He is survived by his former wife Lorraine F. Mavins, their sons Justin Mavins, Benjamin Mavins, Aaron Mavins and six grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sisters Aleane Moss, Delores Haney, Lillian Mims, Ola Stokes, Willie Dean Julia Felton, and Betty Moseley. He was predeceased by his brothers Henry Mavins, Alexander Mavins, Eugene Mavins, Levorn Mavins, Robert Mavins, and his sister Rosa Bogar. The funeral service was held Friday at Morningside Chapel in Oakwood Cemetery followed by burial.