William Lewis Willingham

William Lewis Willingham passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the age of 92. Lewis was born in Johnson City, October 26, 1931. He graduated from Science Hill High School in 1949, attended East Tennessee State University and enlisted in the US Navy, where he spent 4 years on the USS John R. Pierce DD-753 Destroyer. When he returned home, he began working at Eastman Chemical Company in their Technical Service Department for fiber sales. After retiring, he became President of the Bays Mountain Park Association and sat on their Board of Directors for several years. He also served on the Boards for Goodwill Industries of Teneva Area, Inc., The Appalachian Christian Village and Meadow View Golf Course. Lewis was a dedicated member of Colonial Heights Christian Church since 1961, where he served as Sunday school teacher, elder and deacon. Lewis enjoyed tennis, pickleball, golf and traveling.

Lewis was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Virginia; his parents, Ruby Truelove and James Willingham; brother, Jim Willingham, Jr.; and sister, Barbara Jean Hundley.

He is survived by sons, Gary (Lisa) of Glenside, PA, Brad (Katrina) of Wilmington, NC; three grandsons, Brandon (Brittney), Justin (Carrie) and Jordan (Page); one granddaughter, Jessica (Zach); three wonderful great-granddaughters, Madilyn, Zuri and Skye Willingham; brothers,  Kenneth (Glenda) Willingham and Charles (Jane) Willingham; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Colonial Heights Christian Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 12 p.m. with Pastor David Mullins officiating. 

Burial will follow at Mountain Home National Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Posts #3/265.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or Sisters by Heart (an organization that provides support and education to families with children born with Single Ventricle heart defects), PO Box 599, Valley Center, CA 92082.