Jimmy Lee Willingham, 79, of Davenport, IA, passed away on March 15, 2024 at Genesis East Medical Center. A funeral service in celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2024 at Third Missionary Baptist Church in Davenport. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at the time of the service. Jimmy will be laid to rest at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be provided to the family. Condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com
Jimmy was born on November 15, 1944 in Oxford, Mississippi to parents, Stella and Cad Willingham Sr. He graduated from Oxford Training School in 1965 and went on to enter the workforce. He served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. Jimmy worked for Titan Wheel as a Patrol Inspector for over 25 years, eventually retiring in 2005.
One day, Jimmy and Mary Hilliard crossed paths and their story as a married couple began on December 22, 1967. Together, they grew their family with 5 children and had the blessing of 56 years in each other’s company. Jimmy cherished his family deeply and loved spending time with them. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars, relaxing with a cigar in hand, and rooting for winning football teams.
Those left to honor Jimmy’s memory include his loving wife, Mary Willingham; children, Tony Willingham, Kim Willingham (Lonnie Jones), Maria Willingham, Jermaine Willingham, Cedrick Willingham; 16 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Oytie Hobbs, William Willingham, Laura Sargent, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, and 4 siblings, Willie Henderson, Ernest Henderson, Cad Willingham Jr., and Mary Ivy.