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Donald Willingham Obituary
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, at Logan Road Baptist Church with Chaplain Charles Goldsmith officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home directing. Visitation is from 6 to 8 Tuesday tonight at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home.
Mr. Willingham was born July 16, 1930 in Menlo, Ga., the son of Roy G. and Mary Sue Joiner Willingham. He was an active member of Logan Road Baptist Church. In his early years he farmed and then joined the U.S. Army serving in Korea, Vietnam and Germany. He was an instructor at Ozark Aviation College and a game warden at Ft. Rucker. He was also a contract carrier for the U.S. Mail. His favorite activities included coon hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and friends, mowing his lawn, and reading the Bible.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wesley Willingham; two sisters, Mary Louise Franklin and Jane Willingham; and one great-grandson, Hunter Blankenship.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Hannelore Hettrich Willingham, of Ozark; one son, Donnie Willingham (Connie) of Ozark; daughter, Lora Sue Willingham (James Edwards) of Enterprise; one sister, Charlotte Wright, of Menlo, Ga.; four grandchildren, Brandy Blankenship (Eric) of Bertha, Amber Willingham of Ozark, Hanna White of Panama City, Fla., and Vincent Lee Hunt and fiancé, Kristi Bayne, of Enterprise; four great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Seth Blankenship and Katie and Chris White; a surrogate daughter, Lexia Rich Frasher, of Salisbury, N.C.; and many precious neighbors and friends.
The family is grateful for the prayers, food and kindness shown by the members of Logan Road Baptist Church, and especially for the loving care given by Debbie and Marcie, and Wiregrass Hospice.
"When your sun in finally setting and a path you no longer trod, may your name in gold be written in the autograph of God."
Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home, (334) 774-4551, has charge. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Willingham
clements matt
October 16, 2008
I had the pleasure of cutting Don's hair for a few years and always enjoyed our conversation and the stories he would tell. He had a contagious smile and i always looked forward to seeing him. He spoke of his family often and them grandbabies made him proud. I hope the family takes comfort in the lives Don touched because he was a good man.My sympathies go out to the family.
Ralph Mace
October 16, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I served with Don as a Little Bear in 66/67.
Howard Deane
October 16, 2008
Sergeant Willingham will always remain in the hearts of his "Band of Brothers" of the Little Bears of the 25th Aviation Company. He and those of us who served with him did our duty for our country as we saw it.
Ercie J. Leach
October 15, 2008
My name is Ercie Leach, Colonel, U.S. Army(Ret), former Little Bear. I knew Sergeant Willingham as a Good Guy. May God be with the family during this time of sorrow.
Bette Kamerer
October 15, 2008
Dear Hanna and Family,
Don was a good friend and faithful neighbor for many years. We remember him fondly. God bless you all through the coming days.
Charles Brown
October 15, 2008
In rememberance of a fellow "Li'l Bear" from "Li'l Bear 6, 1967"
October 15, 2008
Hannelore and family,
we've got the sad message that Donald died.
The only important in life
are the traces of love,
we leave
if we leave.
Our warmest condolences to the family.
Anja and family.
daughter from Inge Hettrich)
[Excuse my English, it is not good]
Ron Hall. LB Secretary
October 15, 2008
Donald was part fo the Little Bear family. His military service in Vietnam was marked with his ability to get the job done even under the most trying of circumstance. He will be remembered as a friend to many; his spirit, his kindness, and demeanor made him easy to like. You can be proud forever of Donald.
From the Little Bear Association, our deepest sympathy.
Anja Schömer, born Hettrich
October 15, 2008
Hannelore and family,
we've got the sad message that Donald died.
The only important in life
are the traces of love,
we leave
if we leave.
Our warmest condolences to the family.
Anja Schömer, born Hettrich and family
(Daughter of Inge Hettrich)
[Excuse my English, it isn't good]
Bill, Denise, Amber and Adam Kamerer
October 15, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Carolyn & Terry Tolbert
October 15, 2008
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Donald will forever be remembered in our hearts for his contagious smiles and laughter.
Hughey Weston
October 15, 2008
To the Family of Sergeant Willingham,
I am Hughey L Weston, LTC US Army (Ret) and I served with Sgt Willinham as his Commanding Officer in South Vietnam. He was an outstanding soldier who performed all of his duties with a willing heart and hand. Earlier, when I was the First Platoon Leader, he would often wake me with a mission for one of my helicopters. When I would show up at Operations for the Mission Briefing, he would be surprised but always cheerful and happy to see me.
God Bless him and you his Family.
Hughey L. Weston, Former Little Bear Six
Edwana S Hagler
October 15, 2008
Donnie, Connie, and Family
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything just call.
Linda Dale Hogg Hunter
October 14, 2008
Family I am so sad to hear of Donalds death, you have my sincere empathy, I have precious memories of the times all of you spent with us in Menlo when we were children, all of you are dear to me, I just wish we had been closer to visit as we grew older, hold fast to your faith and family, precious memories with the guidance of our Jesus will help you now and in days ahead, love you all,praying for you.
Denny Risch
October 14, 2008
Hello Hannelore, we are sorry what to come about with Donald. Grandma Betti was shocked as i said her about to testify the death from Donald. She send a card to you, and she said all the best for you and your Family. My name is Denny, i?m the grandchild from Grandma Betti. Son from Susanne, she?s the daughter from Betti .
Also i hope you can realize me, because i can?t so good english.
Our whole family wish you the best greez from Germany.
Greetz, Betti and family
October 13, 2008
The families of Phyllis Hogg, Dot Cavin, Billy Gilley and Bud Gilley from
Menlo Geogia want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers
as always,
Cousins
Mike & Denise Potter
October 13, 2008
We're so sorry to hear about your loss. Don was a great person and he and his smile will be missed by many. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat Perault
October 13, 2008
So sorry to hear about your family's loss. I enjoyed being neighbors and an extended family member through the past 25 years. You all will be in my prayers.
John & Rosemarie Potter
October 13, 2008
Sorry to Hear about your loss to your Family Donald was a good Man and he was liked a lot Just hope this helps to comfort all of you..
With Deepest Sympathy
John And Rosemarie Potter
Susan Mullins McSween
October 13, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about this great loss to your family. You know I have always thought a lot about all of you. You all are such wonderful people. This just breaks my heart. He was always such a joyful man. Always with a smile. I am going out of town this week but know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. With deepest Sympathy and Love for you all.
Donald & Marlys Kroger
October 13, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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