Wilfred "Willie" Nishio Kusuda

Wilfred “Willie” Nishio Kusuda, 87, passed away on February 11, 2026. Born October 3, 1938, in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, he was the beloved son of the late James Sakae and Yoshiko Hayashi Kusuda.

Willie grew up in Lahaina and graduated from Lahainaluna High School. After high school, he briefly attended New Mexico State University before proudly answering the call to serve his country, first enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served on the U.S.S. St. Paul from 1959 to 1964 (he was on board when the John Wayne movie “In Harm’s Way” was filmed). Following his Navy service, Willie continued his military career by joining the United States Air Force in 1965. During his Air Force service, he worked as an electronics mechanic and cryptologist and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant (MSgt), a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership. Also, while serving in the Air Force, he earned his Associate of Arts degree at Los Angeles City College. He retired from military service in 1980.

While serving active duty at Robins Air Force Base, Willie met and married Norma Jean Skipper. They made several moves around the country and even to Misawa AFB in Japan, having three children along the way.

After retiring from active duty, Willie continued contributing his talents in civilian life, working for Blue Bird Body Company on the assembly line, then at Medusa Cement Company as an Instrument Technician, and later serving at Robins Air Force Base in civil service.

A proud veteran, Willie was a former member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion. He was also a founding member of the GAWaiian Ohana — fondly called the “Hawaiian Transplants” in Georgia — helping foster community and connection among fellow islanders far from home.

Willie enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He liked reading and watching westerns and, prior to her passing, completing the daily crossword with his wife. He and Norma would garden and refinish furniture together and they used to spend a lot of time fishing. He was also an avid golfer who loved spending time on the course whenever he could, winning multiple hole-in-one awards.

Wilfred “Willie” Nishio Kusuda will be remembered for his service to his country, his strong work ethic, and his warm Aloha spirit, as well as his deep devotion to his wife, Norma, who he cared for after her stroke until she passed. He is also known for being “very polite and courteous”, “such a nice man” and “the most pleasant patient”. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the friendships he built throughout his journey.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Skipper Kusuda; and siblings, May Fujiwara, Louise DelaVega, and Larry Kusuda.

His memory will forever be treasured by his children, Kathie Stone (John) of Bonaire, Georgia, Sandy Kusuda (Greg Winchester) of Perry, Georgia, and Kevin Kusuda (Deidra) of San Antonio, Texas; granddaughter, Sarah Natsue Stone of Orlando, Florida; and other extended, loving family.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at McCullough Funeral Home. Willie will be laid to rest with full military honors at noon in Andersonville National Cemetery. The family requests casual or Hawaiian attire for the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lahainaluna High School Foundation (lahainalunahighschoolfoundation.org), Honpa Hongwanji Mission Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund (hongwanjihawaii.com) or Houston County Meals on Wheels.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.