Willie E. Mason, Jr.

Willie E. “Hitta Will” Mason, Jr., 21, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Services to celebrate Willie's life will be announced in the near future. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in Willie’s memory.

Willie Emmanuel Mason, Jr. was born April 7, 2004, in Moline, the son of Joanna Martinez and Willie Emmanuel Mason, Sr. From the start, Willie marched to the beat of his own playlist. He spent time in Texas with his best friend, Tay, and girlfriend, Lexi Lee. While in Texas, he worked at Jamba Juice, Taco Bell, and most recently UPS.

Known affectionately as “Hitta Will,” Willie was a goofy, fun-loving guy who rarely met a moment he couldn’t make more entertaining. He loved his guns, his chains, and his money—and he wanted everyone to know it. He will also be remembered for his sense of fashion especially when it came to his shoes and hair.

Music was one of many passions, and Willie was always ready to freestyle.  He also loved basketball and had an obsession with acai bowls.

Willie is survived by his beloved mother, Joanna Martinez of East Moline; his siblings, Jarah and “NuNu”; grandparents, Juanita Martinez and Mary Sawyer; other siblings, Tyeshia, Tatiana, Ashley, Andrea, Taiwan and Lamon; his niece and nephews, Xirah, Kash, and Josiah; his girlfriend, Lexi; best friend, Tay; his aunt, Julie, along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Mason, Sr., his brother, Jeremiah Martinez-Brown, and best friend, LaTroy, all of whom are undoubtedly welcoming him with open arms.

Though his time here was short, Willie lived loudly, laughed often, and loved deeply. He will be remembered for his humor, his heart, and the joy he brought to those around him.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.