Eugene Willoughby MD

R. Eugene Willoughby was born in Niles, Ohio to Henry and Armanda Willoughby. He and his younger brother, Henry, Jr. (Larry), spent their early childhood in Ohio and later moved to New York City with their mother. Eugene returned to Ohio to attend Wilberforce University where he pledged “Q” and graduated with honors. Then, against all odds – and despite them, he determined to pursue his dream and attended medical school in Germany. While doing so, he married Anna G. Steiner who tended to their four children by day and helped him study at night. One of his happiest days was when he passed his Boards, packed up his family and headed back to the United States as Dr. Eugene Willoughby.

After his internship and residency in Ohio, Dr. Willoughby moved to Michigan in 1972 to set up his practice. Soon members of the community realized what made him so different. He spent as much time as it took with his patients, listened to them, counselled them, and became their trusted physician. For 50 years, Dr. Willoughby did his best to be worthy of the trust his patients and fellow doctors placed in him. And he loved every moment of it.

In his spare time, he spent as much time as possible in or on some fishing hole. He loved being with friends and family, traveling, learning something new every day, and the simple pleasures of life. Dr. Willoughby is survived by his loving wife Edna Lewis Willoughby, his children Celesd, Frank, Eugene (Roy), Markus and Adam, his grandchildren, Rachelle, Emma and Sofia, great grandchildren Nevaeh, Jeremeih, Kyilsha and Tiana, daughters-in-law Heather, Missy and Dawn, siblings Herman and Jo Ann, niece, Belinda, stepfather Frank, great friends, countless admirers and a community he loved.

We invite you to share your experiences here with us and each other. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an institution of higher learning, to medical research or contribute directly toward the advancement of another young person pursuing their dream.