He was born October 11, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan to James and Thelma Willingham. He graduated from Lawrence County High School in Lawrenceburg, TN and attended Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN. He married Emma Jane Giles on July 19, 1962.
Jerry was employed by Cupples J&J Company since 1971 and was plant manager of the machine shop. He was a member of the St. John’s Masonic Lodge and was an Al Chymia Shriner. He attended Meridian Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Emma; his mother, Thelma Schultz Willingham, Murfreesboro, TN; a sister, Linda Hammonds, Murfreesboro, TN; two daughters, Tina McMurry, Jackson, TN and Lynn Rushing, Jackson, TN; two sons, Jay Willingham, Memphis, TN and Lane Willingham , Jackson, TN; and six grandchildren, Shelby Rushing, Taylor Rushing, Cade Willingham, Josie Willingham, Zoey McMurry, and Kristi McMurry; two nieces and one nephew.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 2, from 5pm until 8pm and the funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 1pm, all held at George A. Smith and Sons South Chapel. Entombment will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
