Willie Louis "Puddin" Givens, Jr. was born on Saturday, August 27, 1966, to proud parents Minister Willie Louis Givens and Bettye Jean Cooper-Givens in Poplar Bluff, MO. He transitioned from this life on Thursday, August 16th, 12:44 pm at KU Medical Center after a short illness. At an early age, he accepted Christ Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Willie graduated from Ruskin High School in Kansas City. He attended Roger State and Park College in Parkville, MO. He received a certificate in A+, Networking, and other IT certifications.

Willie excelled in both football, aka "Black Thunder" and wrestling, where he received many honors. He was a whiz kid in electronics and mechanics, where he was gifted and very talented. Willie had a great love for Biology!

Willie had various positions directly related to these areas of interest. Most notably he spent the majority of his employment history in technical support with H&R Block, and as an IT Technician with Kansas City, MO public schools.

Willie is survived by his parents: father, Willie Louis Givens of Jackson, TN; mother, Bettye Jean Cooper-Givens of Kansas City, MO; two sisters, Wendy Ann Hopkins (Johnnie) of Clinton, MS and Gayle Givens of Smyrna, TN; two uncles, John Cooper (Barbara) of Poplar Bluff, MO and Alfred Cooper (Russ) of Florissant, MO; one aunt, Eyvonne R. Harris of Fairview Heights, IL; three first cousins, "Little John" Cooper of Jonesboro, AR, Kevin Cooper of Poplar Bluff, MO and Wayne Cooper of Nixa, MO; "The Vincent Family"; special friends, Jewell Scott of Raytown, MO, Gloria Brown of Kansas City, MO, Kevin Brown of Los Angeles, CA and Loren Foster of Shawnee Mission, KS. Willie will be sorely missed by family and those who knew and loved him.