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FUNERAL HOME
3344 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, Texas
Carl Willingham Obituary
Funeral: 2 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitiation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Greenwood Funeral Home.
Memorials: If desired, donations may be made to Life Gift Organ Donation Center, North Region, 1701 River Run, Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.
Carl was born Oct. 13, 1957, in Walters, Okla., and graduated from Lamar High School in Houston. He had resided in Fort Worth for over 23 years. He had a degree in political science from the University of North Texas, where he was a member of the TKE fraternity. Carl enjoyed long and lasting friendships with his fraternity brothers. He also had a journalism degree from UTA. Carl retired from JPS as a computer technician. A writer, Carl formerly wrote obituaries for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and was working on his first novel.
Carl loved cats. He saved many neighborhood cats throughout his time in Fort Worth. Athletic all his life, he played tennis with friends, family and co-workers whenever possible.
Although sick for many years, he rarely let his illness interfere with his enjoyment and support of friends, family and caregivers. We will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl, and his sister, Jill Willingham.
Survivors: Wife of 23 years, Cleta; mother, Josi Galante; sisters, Glynda Newton and husband, Michael, and Jill Willingham; stepmother, Pat Matthies; and the entire Coleman family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carl Willingham
Sponsored by Lambda Omicron chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon.
My heroic and patriotic brother Love you to the moon and all the stars
Glynda Newton
July 15, 2019
Carl is my gold standard of what a real man should be, ever since he was a baby he was a hero to all of us. I never ever have known a braver kinder soul than Carl Alan Willingham. I know you don't want tears as a way to celebrate your life and continued journey so I have really worked on that. Your sister Glynda, I love you forever!
Glynda Newton
February 14, 2016
Carl it has been almost 11 years since you left us. Not one day goes by that we do not mourn the loss of you. You are my inspiration each day. I will never stop loving you, you are a true hero. I miss talking to my Brother and dear friend. It is hard to believe you are not here, but I know you are living it up in Heaven. Now you can fly.....
Glynda Newton
March 7, 2013
Carl as Dave said it was the tarantula, so glad you had this man for a friend and I know he is grateful for your friendship! Semper Fi do or die!
March 6, 2013
My dearest Carl, my only son - you are my standard of courage - the light that lit my years since you were born. No words can describe the loss of your smile, your humor, your irreplaceable personality. I am so happy you achieved a special place over there, and that at last you are safe and no longer in pain. I hope to come Home soon, and know you will pull me through the veil! I am so glad I was your mom!
Love you forever, josi Mommy
Glynda Newton
March 2, 2013
Dear Carl, I am sitting here looking at yor pictures, I think of you every day and love you with all of my heart, you are and always will be a SUPERHERO!
Joe Grant
July 25, 2010
So sorry to hear about Carl. Sharing many fond memories of you two.
David Reid
February 8, 2010
In 1989, our director presented me this goofy little man to be my PC repair technician at JPS. Other than typing required for his journalism degree, he knew next to nothing about computers. However, Carl had an uncommon drive and intelligence that quickly made him an expert. He was awarded both Employee of the Year and Courteous Employee of the Year at JPS. A man clearly respected and loved by all, myself included, his boss.
Life threw Carl more curve balls than any one person should ever have, but I watched him make lemonade out of each. I regret that we lost touch of each other the last 10 years and that I'm only now finding out about his death. All the medical issues kept Carl from having alcohol very often, but when he did drink, it was Diet soda mixed with beer. A goofy drink for a goofy guy.
So tonight, five years late, I'll raise a toast of diet soda and beer to the most inspirational man I've ever had the privilege to know, Carl Allen Willingham. It was the tarantula Carl, it had to be the tarantula.
Dodi Seely
May 26, 2008
still affected by impact Carl left on our lives. He is such a positive force- and caring person- i still miss him & think of him often- Hope all is well with family-
Dodi & Randy Seely
Glynda Newton
November 9, 2005
Carl, I still cry every day for you, I hear you say "Lighten up sis" but I miss your wonderful scintillating sense of humor, your wisdom, your great advice, You are my shining example of what a truly good person can accomplish in a lifetime, your big sister Glynda I luv you!
Randy Trawnik
August 31, 2005
I never met anyone like Carl. In spite of all his problems, he always had a positive outlook, a smile on his face and a friendly comment to everyone he met. We will all miss him.
Russell Patterson
August 15, 2005
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I count it a privilege to have called him my friend. He was an inspiring man that never complained. In the 8 years I've known him, he never once complained of his health problems or any other problems for that matter. If only there could be more people like him. He set a good example on how we should live our lives. What a man! He will certainly be missed.
nash barbara
August 6, 2005
cleta sorry to here about carl we were in dialysis with him me my sister and nephew talked to you in the lobby and waited for him and our mother barbara nash were going to try to come to the viewing .was unable to because her site was infected and had 2 surgeries that week.take care and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.if there is anything you need or just want to talk please give us a call at8175283074 or8175282584
George Harvey
July 27, 2005
My sincere condolences!
Beth Gunn
July 26, 2005
Cleta,
I was shocked and saddened to hear that you lost Carl so sudenly. I guess you are never truly ready to let go. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself. Beth
Judy Coleman
July 26, 2005
Cleta,
I am so sorry for your loss. Carl will always be remembered as a good person whom I never heard complain about his illness. You are in my prayers and my thoughts.
john ferguson
July 25, 2005
I am very sorry to hear about your loss Cleta.I was just thinking about
you and Clay the other day. Take care of yourself.
Gene & Lois Willingham
July 25, 2005
Carl was a wonderful , kind and loving man who will be well remembered forever. We will miss him as well as love him always,
Aunt Lois & Uncle Gene
Gene & Sally Crane
July 25, 2005
Cleta,
So sorry that you have lost Carl. He was such an amazing man. Didn't know you two well, but Pat Matthies keep us up on your lives.
Gene & Sally
ROBERT NICKERSON
July 24, 2005
CLEATA I'M SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT CARL. HE WAS A VERY GOOD & SMILEY TYPE OF GUY NO MATTER WHAT WAS GOING ON IN HIS LIFE.I'LL BE THINGING OF YOU. GOOD LUCK.
belva harvey
July 24, 2005
Cleta
I am sorry about your loss..he will be missed by many..my kids still talk about his eye tricks..my thoughts and prayers are with you..
Linda Coleman
July 23, 2005
Cleta,
I am so sorry for your loss of Carl. He fought a very brave battle for years. Stephen and Sarah will miss him very much. We will always remember Carl and the many different ways he liked to entertain his nieces and nephews. God bless you and remember that you are in our prayers.
cousin Paul and Julie Brice
July 22, 2005
Our thoughts are with you Cleta
Pamela McBroom
July 22, 2005
I never had the opportunity to know Carl. We are cousins and I am almost 47, also. Cleta, so sorry for your loss. I have a married daughter who lives in Stephenville, Texas. Maybe we could meet sometime. God bless you! I remember my Uncle Leonard and Aunt Aurbie and wish I would have known about you all. Take care of yourselves.
Love, Pamela McBroom
(daughter of Dulcie Hood
Browder-Aunt Aurbie's sister)
Kenneth McWhorter
July 22, 2005
I am a member of this family by marriage. I married Omer Hood's daughter, Dorothy. I did not know Carl, but knew his dad very well. May God comfort your heart's at this time. Kenneth and Dorothy
Tim & Dede Shannon
July 22, 2005
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Beverly Thompson
July 22, 2005
Dear Cleta, Carl was a powerful man. Witty, clever and boundlessly inventive. The only man that I thought would out live anyone out there.Indestructible! He was the prefect example of living a full life despite (to other people) limiting illness. Sure will miss him. Played tennis till just a few weeks ago!!!!!
Paula Griswold
July 22, 2005
God Bless you all during your time of sorrow. He will be missed.
Rondall Carter
July 21, 2005
Cleta,
I am a cousin, I haven't seen Carl for many years. I know from what I read here on this guest book that I wish that we had been closer. My wife Angie and I will be praying for you that God will comfort you and give you strength during these times.
Wyonia (Carter) Wyatt
July 21, 2005
Sorry to hear about Carl, our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Sondra Bailey
July 21, 2005
My prayers go out to the family and friends.
One of Dulcie Browder's children
Phyllis Tipton
July 21, 2005
It is so hard to say good-bye to a dear friend and one I have had for over 20 years. What an example for living life to the fullest. Cleta you are in my prayers.
cousins Joan & Richard Crummett
July 21, 2005
Carl was loved and admired by so many. We wish we could be with you Cleta. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
C.
July 21, 2005
I didn't know Mr. Willingham, but read his obituary this afternoon, and wanted to say thank you to him for caring about the cats and saving them. I wish there were more like him.
Marshall Kregel
July 21, 2005
I have known Carl and Cleta since our days together in college. In Carl's world, he had a perspective on life that few of us will be lucky enough to understand or experience. For Carl, life was an adventure and opportunity to meet and love people. He loved his wife, took her on trips, spent time with his friends, and never forgot to write us and tell us that we were his brothers and family.
I'm going to miss my friend and brother. My prayers go out to Cleta and all of Carl's family.
Ted Franks
July 21, 2005
Carl was a great man! Always fun but professional at work. JPS is not the same since he left. My sympathy to the family.....
Sherry Littierre
July 21, 2005
I worked with Carl for many years at JPS and he was loved by all. No matter the situation with his health he was always smiling and happy. Although I have not seen or been in contact with Carl for many years, he has always been considered a friend.
Terry Province
July 21, 2005
Carl,
It was always a pleasure to work with you at JPS as part of the IS Team. You took my daughter Tara under your wing and taught her so much. You, your laughter and your positive attitude will truly be missed.
Dodi and Randy Seely
July 21, 2005
Carl was well admired by those who knew him. It has been a joy and privilage to be his friend. Memory of Carl will always be an inspiration for me, as he surpassed overwhelming odds many times and maintained his amazing sense of humor. Prayers are with you, Cleta.
Brandon Jemeyson
July 21, 2005
For over 25 years Carl was a best friend and a life guru. He will be forever missed, yet always with us.
Love forever, Brandon
Greg Gable
July 21, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kelly Phillips
July 21, 2005
I so enjoyed Carl's friendship and conversations at the health club; he always made me laugh & smile
Kathy Lawson
July 21, 2005
My late husband Ed worked with Carl @ JPS. When he began having complications from his diabetes, Carl was an inspiration and a lot of help to Ed. I thanked him then and know that with all the good he did, he is in a better place. Thank you again, Carl.
Kathy
Tara Province
July 21, 2005
Carl, you will be missed so much by so many people. You were always so sweet and had such a great attitude. I learned so much from you. Everytime I play tennis, you will be in my thoughts.
Rockie and Valerie Gilley
July 20, 2005
We have lost a great friend. There will never be another Carl. He was very special.
Cleta, you have our deepest sympathy and earnest prayers for comfort.
Linda Leffler
July 20, 2005
Carl was an inspiration to all who knew him. Sincere sympathy.
Aunt Blanche &uncle John
July 20, 2005
We always admired Carl's courage and humor despite his difficulties. Our thoughts are with you Cleta.
Lisa Buell
July 20, 2005
Carl is an inspiration to all! He was a man who loved life! And lived life to the fullest every day, knowing that it could so easily be taken away in a hearbeat! He never gave up!!!
Gina Waters
July 20, 2005
Cleta,
I am so very sorry. I had been wondering how Carl was doing recently, I am sorry that I did not contact you.
Please let me know if you need anything.
Margaret Clingman
July 20, 2005
Cleta, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Carl, but he must have been a remarkable person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Martha's sister
Jaya Mehta
July 20, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Carl was a person who always brought laughter in every one's life. We have lost a great friend.
Dulcie Mae Hood Browder
July 20, 2005
Thinking of your family during this sad time. Aunt Dulcie, sister of Orbe Willingham.
Joel Woiton
July 20, 2005
I have nothing but good memories of the 25 years that I have known Carl. His great sense of humor kept you laughing when you were around him. I will miss him.
Brian Rogers
July 20, 2005
This is a person that taught all of us to live life to the fullest and for that I am forever grateful
Don & Carolyn Carter
July 20, 2005
Our prayers will be with him Always
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