Rayburn L. Willingham

Rayburn L. Willingham, age 87, of Walnut Grove, Alabama passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Carnes Chapel FCM Church in Attalla at 2pm with burial in adjoining cemetery. Church visitations will be Monday, June 26, 2023 from 5pm until 8pm and Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 12pm until time of service. Bro. Frank Umphrey, Bro. Curtis Fuller, and Bro. Scott Dean to officiate.

Rayburn was born on January 19, 1936, in Gallant, Alabama. He was a member of Carnes Chapel FCM Church for 60 years where he was a dedicated Song Chairman for 32 years. He was employed at Jones Sawmill for 32 years, Albertville Parks & Recreation for 2 years and Burtons in Altoona. Rayburn was loved by many and was known to some as “The Bird Man” or “DUDE.” He always loved giving children quarters just to be able to watch their faces light up and Bluegrass Gospel music was his favorite.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Allie Willingham; brothers, L.C. (Mac), and Jake Willingham; sisters, Zelma Whaley, Evelyn Gilliland, and Jessalyn McCoy; and daughter-in-law, Laura Willingham.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta (Davenport) Willingham, brother, Adron (Joyce) Willingham; and sister-in-law, Dollie Willingham; children, Phillip Willingham, Pam (Bucky) Cole, and Angela Gilliland; grandchildren, Blake (Denise) Willingham, Kristen (Jessie) Beavers, Derrick Willingham, Hunter Gilliland, Brooke Gilliland, and Beth Cole; great-grandchildren, Landon Willingham, Jaiden, Willingham, Olivia Beavers, Logan Parsons, and Caylee Parsons.

Pallbearers are Blake Willingham, Hunter Gilliland, Mark Willingham, Robert Ward, Larry Davenport and Kevin Davenport.

Honorary pallbearer is Derrick Willingham.

Special thanks given to Dr. Debora Reiland, Amedisys Hospice, Family and Friends.

Flowers are accepted or memorial donations may be made in honor of Rayburn L. Willingham to Mrs. Loretta Willingham at 5495 Fairview Cove Rd. Altoona, AL 35952.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.morganfuneralchapel.com for the Willingham family.