Funeral service for Retired SFC Willie F. Tupolo, 77 of Smithville, TX will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX at 2:00 p.m.

Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service (10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) at the funeral home.

Willie Fa'aiuga Tupolo, age 77, was laid to rest in the care of the Lord on July 2, 2026, at his home in Smithville, Texas, surrounded by his devoted wife and children. Born on November 30, 1948, in Utulei, American Samoa. Willie lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering love for his family, and steadfast devotion to serving the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sualua and Fa'aeteete Tupolo, and his younger brother Jacob.

Willie is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Rose Marie Tupolo. He moved from American Samoa to San Diego, California around the age of ten, and shortly after met Rose through her brother Manuel. Their teenage friendship blossomed into a lifelog covenant and they married on December 27, 1968.

He was the cherished father of Esther, Willie Jr., and John, and a loving father-in-law to Cindy and Kristi. He was a proud grandfather to Mykie, Noah (Destiny), Rosie (Savannah), Ileiana (David), Willie III (Sierra), and Seleina (Brandon), and a joyful great-grandfather to Noah Jr., Malikye, Rylo, and Westley. He is also survived by his siblings, Stella (Freddie), Sue (late Danny), Judy, Sualua Jr. (Millie), Nancy (Dennis), Steven, Donna (Ray), Dorothy (Eighi) and Repaka.

Willie enlisted into the military at the age of 19. Throughout his life, he lived in American Samoa, California, Hawaii and Texas – always known as a hardworking man who gave his all to everything, he set his mind to accomplish.

A turning point cam when he and Rose purchased their home in Romana, California, where his relationship with Christ deepened. Shortly after settling in, he attended the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism and became an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, serving the lord wholeheartedly through preaching, praying, ministering, and offering special music.

Willie was gifted in many ways – a talented musician, a determined boxer in his youth, and a man with blessed hands who loved working in the land. His trees, fruits, and vegetables flourished under his care, and his gardens were always abundant and beautiful. He also excelled in real estate, often meeting people whom the Lord placed in his path to help him grow and succeed. He leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, hard work, devotion to family, and unwavering faith. Willie lived with the assurance that God's promises would carry him and his family through every circumstance. His life and legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.