Gerald David Willingham

Gerald “David” Willingham, 62, of Tyler, died peacefully on Thursday morning of natural causes. David was a 17-year resident of Breckenridge Village of Tyler. A believer in Jesus, David was a former member of First Baptist Church of Dallas, and a current member of Green Acres Baptist Church of Tyler. Born in Dallas, Texas, April 1, 1954, David grew up in Oak Cliff with his two older brothers, Gene and Michael. David enjoyed going to school, church, and watching classic television programs. Among his favorites were “I Love Lucy,” “The Love Boat.” “The Walton’s,” and “That Girl.” These shows as well as old movies like “Singing In The Rain” brought him much joy as he re-enacted scenes and carried on conversations with the characters using his active imagination. David also loved to have books read to him. He would often sit patiently and listen to his favorite stories, like Lassie, being read faithfully by his mother, and later in life by his special friends at Breckenridge Village of Tyler. He also looked forward to serving the Tyler community by delivering meals with Meals on Wheels of Tyler. Camp Joy was always a highlight of David’s summers thanks to Green Acres Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Herschel Harvey Willingham, and brothers Gene Willingham, and James Michael Willingham. His is survived by his mother, Nell Willingham, his niece, Jamie Frans and husband, Larry, his niece, Leslie Moulton and husband, Tres, and his nephew, Jeff Willingham and wife, Laraine, as well as 3 great nieces and 4 great nephews. He is also survived by his Breckenridge Village of Tyler family, the gentlemen of House 5, and his “nurse-mother and darling,” Robin Tillmon. David was a fun loving friend to many and will be missed tremendously. Our family is forever thankful for the Breckenridge Village of Tyler family, Baptist Child and Family Services, and Heart to Heart Hospice of Tyler, for the love, guidance, and care for David. The family hopes that you will remember David with a gift in lieu of flowers to his beloved Breckenridge Village of Tyler, 15062 County Road 1145, Tyler, Texas 75704. A very special graveside service is planned for Saturday, June 4, at 2 PM at Laurel Land Memorial Park, in Dallas.