LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) issued a statement on the passing of Willie Agee, a beloved and highly engaged resident and advocate for the City of Inglewood who was affectionately known as the honorary ‘Mayor of Inglewood’ and ‘Mr. Inglewood’:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of my dear friends and one of the most beloved members of our community, Willie Agee.
“Willie Agee was an extraordinary individual who loved the City of Inglewood, loved the people of Inglewood, and loved the elected officials who represent our community. Willie Agee attended Inglewood City Council meetings and community events like no other. He was a constant presence and voice at my community town hall meetings. Though we were on opposite ends of the political spectrum, over the course of many years we developed a close friendship. I will miss our regular meetings at restaurants throughout our community where we discussed a variety of important issues. He never hesitated to tell me about the initiatives that he was taking up on behalf of the City of Inglewood. I am so pleased to have been among his close family and friends as we celebrated his 90th birthday in October of last year. This was one of the many precious memories we shared throughout our decades-long friendship that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“Willie Agee was a combat veteran of the Korean War and was always in attendance at many events of importance to veterans and members of the community on a variety of issues. For the past 26 years as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission – 13 of which he spent as Chairman – Willie Agee never hesitated to make his voice heard on behalf of the needs of our community. His consistent involvement in important local matters and his tireless leadership in securing funding to renovate the playhouse at Ed Vincent Park led the city council to rename it ‘The Willie Agee Playhouse’ in his honor.
“I join our entire community in thanking Willie Agee for all of the time he dedicated throughout his life to the advancement of the City of Inglewood. It is because of his undying love and commitment to this community that we affectionately referred to him as the honorary ‘Mayor of Inglewood.’ I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. Willie Agee is a local hero, and he will truly be missed.”
