1927
Richard
2023
Richard E. Willingham Sr.
October 3, 1927 — November 27, 2023
Richard E. Willingham, Sr., age 96, widower of Barbara McCarthy Willingham, passed away, Monday, November 27, 2023 at Hospice of Laurens County.
He was born on October 3, 1927 in Joanna, South Carolina and was the son of the late Elzie John Willingham and Lossie Mae Tew Willingham. He retired from Bowater Paper Mill in Rock Hill after 34 years of service. Richard served his country in the US Army during World War II and the Korean War and also the Merchant Marines. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Joanna where he sang in the choir, a Mason and a member of the Elks Lodge. Richard served 21 year with the Laurens County Transportation Commission as Secretary and Treasurer. His favorite hobbies included golfing and fishing.
He is survived by his sons, Richard Edward Willingham, Jr. (Karen) of Suwanee, GA, and Douglas M. Willingham (Renee) of Rock Hill; his daughter, Nan Willingham Hood of York; his grandchildren, Katherine W. Wallace (Spencer), Garrett M. Willingham (Sarah), Claire Willingham; his two great-grandchildren, Ford Willingham and Jack Wallace.
In addition to his wife and parents, Richard is predeceased by his brother, Harold M. Willingham, his two sisters, Gladys Willingham Nabors and Barbara Willingham Prater; his son-in-law, Steve Hood.
The family wants to give special thanks to Dr. Javier Carles and Diana Graham at Chapin Family Practice for their love and care to the Willingham family. Also, thank you to special friends, Jane Everett, Tommy O’Shields, Ginger Chalk, Keith Boland, Reba Tobias and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Joanna at 12:30 PM with Rev. Austin Williams and Mr. Buddy Bridges officiating. The family will greet friends from 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM in the church sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to First Baptist Church of Joanna, 301 Magnolia Street, Joanna, SC 29351 or plant a Memory Tree from the Gray Funeral Home website.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton will be assisting the Willingham family with arrangements.
He was born on October 3, 1927 in Joanna, South Carolina and was the son of the late Elzie John Willingham and Lossie Mae Tew Willingham. He retired from Bowater Paper Mill in Rock Hill after 34 years of service. Richard served his country in the US Army during World War II and the Korean War and also the Merchant Marines. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Joanna where he sang in the choir, a Mason and a member of the Elks Lodge. Richard served 21 year with the Laurens County Transportation Commission as Secretary and Treasurer. His favorite hobbies included golfing and fishing.
He is survived by his sons, Richard Edward Willingham, Jr. (Karen) of Suwanee, GA, and Douglas M. Willingham (Renee) of Rock Hill; his daughter, Nan Willingham Hood of York; his grandchildren, Katherine W. Wallace (Spencer), Garrett M. Willingham (Sarah), Claire Willingham; his two great-grandchildren, Ford Willingham and Jack Wallace.
In addition to his wife and parents, Richard is predeceased by his brother, Harold M. Willingham, his two sisters, Gladys Willingham Nabors and Barbara Willingham Prater; his son-in-law, Steve Hood.
The family wants to give special thanks to Dr. Javier Carles and Diana Graham at Chapin Family Practice for their love and care to the Willingham family. Also, thank you to special friends, Jane Everett, Tommy O’Shields, Ginger Chalk, Keith Boland, Reba Tobias and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Joanna at 12:30 PM with Rev. Austin Williams and Mr. Buddy Bridges officiating. The family will greet friends from 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM in the church sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to First Baptist Church of Joanna, 301 Magnolia Street, Joanna, SC 29351 or plant a Memory Tree from the Gray Funeral Home website.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton will be assisting the Willingham family with arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard E. Willingham Sr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Receiving of friends prior to the service in the sanctuary
Friday, December 1, 2023
11:30am - 12:15 pm (Eastern time)
First Baptist Church of Joanna
Memorial Service
Friday, December 1, 2023
Starts at 12:30 pm (Eastern time)
First Baptist Church of Joanna
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