William Oliver Mozee

Born in Louisville, KY, on February 14, 1945 to Irvin and Freda Mozee, William O. Mozee was the eldest son and ultimately 1 of 9 children. He attended St. Peter Claver and St. Bartholomew Catholic grade schools. In 1957, William became the first Black altar boy at St. Bartholomew. He graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1959. In 1962, William enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in August 1965. From 1965 to 1970, he walked on the wild side.

From 1970 to 1976, William worked at Jeffboat Inc. in Jeffersonville, IN. During those years, he advanced from Welder 3rd Class to Chief Union Steward for the Teamsters Union. In 1975, William, along with other employees, organized the Black "walk-outs" to combat racial discrimination experienced on the job. These "walk-outs" - also known as "Black Day Protests" -- consisted of Black employees taking days off from work to protest employment discrimination. William championed civil rights advocacy and encouraged his peers to do the same. In 1977, a lawsuit ensued against Jeffboat Inc. with lead plaintiffs: William O. Mozee, Frederick Williams, and Gregory L. Rankin. In 1994, the federal Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit ruled in their favor, ultimately deeming Mozee as the victor.

In 1984, William moved to Delaware and married Sheila Fragier on November 21, 1986. In 1985, William worked for Process Industries as a certified Pipe Welder. One year later, he was promoted to Foreman and subsequently General Foreman. In 1994, William entered real estate school and worked as a realtor 28 years. In 2000, he was honored as a Million Dollar Club awardee for his success in real estate.

In 1999, William joined Delaware Technical Community College as the Head Welding Instructor. He took great pride in teaching students his passion and setting them up for a prosperous career. In fact, William had many passions in life including golf, fishing, dog training, train collector, casinos, and sports cards fanatic. Being a credited tennis player from 1970 until the 2010s, he played in many tournaments - winning some and losing some. In 2006, William organized the Battery Park Tennis Tournament of New Castle, DE which he managed for several years. In 2007, the Bid Whist club called the Delaware Shufflers - a professional card group - was formed and elected William as President. He served in this role until his passing.

William's biggest love of life was family - there was nothing more important to him. Both in Louisville and Delaware, he took his nieces and nephews under his wing, aiming to be a mentor to them. In Louisville, he formed the Mozee Raiders - a family softball team. He always sought to keep his siblings close and full of love. Family was his currency.

Mozee is survived by his wife, Sheila Fragier-Mozee; his children, Kelly A. Bowen, Marcus Mozee, and Nicole M. Mozee, Esq.; his siblings, Mary Bessie Mozee, Phyllis Jones, Yvonne E. Wallace, James Mozee, Barbara Rocker-Thomas, and Leroy Walker and predeceased by his sisters Doris A. Woodford and Patsy A. Scott-Mozee; and survived by a host of grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Previous Events


Public Viewing


JUL 18. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET)

House of Wright Mortuary - Wilmington
208 East 35th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

Loading map


Service


JUL 18. 11:00 AM (ET)

House of Wright Mortuary - Wilmington
208 East 35th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

Loading map


Military Honors & Committal


JUL 18. 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM (ET)

Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery
2465 Chesapeake City Road
Bear, DE 19701
https://vets.delaware.gov/

Loading map