He was born July 21, 1925 in Andover, Virginia to the late Fred & Edith Willingham.
Mr. Willingham was a World War II Navy Veteran serving in the Pacific Theatre.
He was a longtime member of Red Bank Baptist Church.
He retired from Southern Railroad after several years of service.
His sisters, Shirley Smith and Elva Culpepper, and brothers, Harold Willingham and Bobby Willingham preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Virginia C. Willingham; daughters, Sandra (Ernie) Perry and Sharon (Howard) Elliott both of Hixson; brother, Jerald Willingham of Washington, DC; four grandchildren, Randall (Rachel) Perry of Ooltewah, Keith (Crystal) Perry of Soddy Daisy, Alan (Jakey) Elliott of Hixson, and Missy (Jim) Bailey of Red Bank; and nine great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Sunday, October 23, 2016 from 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 24, 2016 at 1:30 in the North Chapel with Rev. Bill Harvey officiating.
Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with the grandsons serving as active pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hearth Hospice, 1800 A Rossville Avenue, Suite 7, Chattanooga, TN 37408.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
