Willie has worked in agriculture for more than 20 years as a crop adviser and agronomist. He has a Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Science from Oregon State University.

Willie has been on many mission trips to Ethiopia, as well as Brazil and Bolivia with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Julianna. Julianna has been on two mission trips to Ethiopia and currently attends University of Montana Western as a Pre-Med student.

Willie and family reside in Cascade, Montana, and sponsor Kiya and Birqi.