William Wesley Aniton

December 09, 2025

William Wesley Aniton was
born April 21,1924, to Boston
and Irene Aniton. Wes was
one of 12 children raised in
Sand Valley, a rural community within Oneonta, Ala. He was
Baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist
Church at the age 13, his life was guided by faith and the
values instilled by his God-
loving parents. Despite only
completing the third grade, his
parents imparted a strong faith in God, common sense, and willingness to help others.
These values guided him throughout his life.
One of his most cherished memories was a hunting One of his most cherished memories was a hunting
and fishing trip with his father, when they encountered
a high stream, he said, “Dad, let me carry you across
the stream — since you have carried me so many times
before.”
During World War II in 1943, Wes was drafted
into the Army Air Force. He completed his basic train-
ing at Ft. Benning, Ga., before being deployed to the
China-Burma-India, (CBI) theater. He served as a cook
in Troop Support prior to being honorably discharged in
April 1946.
In 1948, Wes moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where
he met and married Ogeeda Jones of Cordova, Ala.
Together they were blessed with two sons Michael and
William.
He worked for respected companies like Firestone
Tire, Achor Rubber, and Seaway Foods. After retiring in
1986, Wes and Ogeeda returned to Sand Valley where
he and Ogeeda lived out the blessings of Psalm 128,
surrounded by the love of children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren.
Wes is survived by his loving wife of 77 years,
Ogeeda Aniton; sons Michael R. Aniton (wife Jeanne An-
iton ) and William J. Aniton (partner Ann Burge); grand-
children Michael Wesley Aniton (wife Megan Aniton),
Kimberly Rae Aniton, and Wei Aniton; great-grandchil-
dren Kiara McDaniel, Kiani Tatum, Charlianne Robin-
son, Piper Aniton, Michael Myles Aniton, and Kalaya
Rae Herrington; siblings Pearl Johnson and Gerome An-
iton. He also leaves behind a host of family and friends
who he deeply loved.
The family received friends Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025,
at Lemley Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service
was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at An-
chors Church. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery.