JOE DENNIS
WILLINNGHAM
June 15, 1943 - Apr. 23, 2015
After a two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer, Joe Dennis Willingham passed away on April 23, 2015, in El Centro, CA. at the age of 71.
The fourth of seven children, Joe was born on June 15, 1943 to John and Gladys Willingham in San Diego, CA. They lived in San Diego during World War II while his father worked in an airplane factory and served a tour of duty. Due to his mother's asthma the family moved to Brawley after the war.
Joe attended Ruth Reid Elementary School, Barbara Worth Jr. High and Brawley High School, with a few brief moves to the White Mountain Indian Reservation in McNary, AZ and National City, CA. He was very active in sports during high school lettering in basketball and football and actively participated in the local boxing club.
He married his high school sweetheart, Scarlett Keele, in 1962 and they had three children, Peyton Jo, Craig, and Jason.
Upon completion of high school Joe attended San Diego State University where he obtained a BA in social studies and his teaching credential. While teaching he traveled to Idaho during the summers where he completed his Masters' Degree from University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.
He was a successful high school teacher and coach for four years at Central High School and transferred to Brawley High School where he spent the remaining 35 years of his career. He enjoyed his students and coaching varsity sports. He served as the Brawley Teachers' Union President for many years.
He loved his summers in Idaho with his family and friends enjoying camping, fishing, bicycling and relaxing. He was a catalyst for developing close friendships and soon had a number of El Centro friends and family enjoying summers in Idaho with him. He also loved snow skiing and trips to San Felipe with friends known as BNO. Upon retiring he enjoyed his time in Washington where he had a RV Condo. His love of the outdoors and all things sporting will live on in us all.
Joe and his wife, Scarlett, loved entertaining at their home in El Centro. Many happy parties and special occasions were celebrated at the Willingham home. Recently in March he insisted on having family and friends to celebrate his father's 97th birthday.
His son, Jason and wife Oriana blessed Joe with two grandchildren, John Bradford (Ford) and Anderson Booker. They gave him some wonderful memories and even though ill, he was able to spend his last summer in Idaho, camping and fishing with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Craig and his mother, Gladys; siblings, Patsy (Mike), Phillip; brother-in-law, Homer Edmonson and sister-in-law, Rosemarie Matthews.
He is survived by his wife, Scarlett; daughter, Peyton Jo of El Cajon; son, Jason (Oriana); grandsons, John Bradford (Ford) and Anderson Booker of Santa Cruz, CA.; father, John Booker Willingham (Papa John) of Brawley; sister, Patricia Edmondson of Santee; brother, Doug (Lana) Willingham of San Diego; sister, Martha Willingham of Brawley and brother, Robert (Liz) of Brawley; sisters-in-law, Deanie Johnson of Imperial, Alice (Sonny) Gaytan of Halfway, OR and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 312 S. 8th St., El Centro, on May 9th at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Joe Willingham (Coach Willingham) Memorial Weight Room, Billy Brewer Athletic Director, Brawley Union High School, Brawley, CA 92227.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 9, 2015
A totally outstanding teacher we were priviledged to have at BUHS. Will never forget those years as one of his students. My heart and prayers go out to the WIllingham Family. May God's strength and comfort be with you during these difficult days.
Dinah Rodriguez
May 8, 2015
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE WILLINGHAM FAMILY.
FROM: GILBERT & DINAH RODRIGUEZ
Jim Skipper
May 8, 2015
God Bless!Jim
Sophie,Craig,Eric Garcia
May 5, 2015
Scarlett & Family,
My deepest & sincere condolences to the family. We have so many good memories of Mr. Willingham as a teacher and a coach at B.U.H.S. My sons and I had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed by many in our community. RIP Mr. Willingham
Lucy Laine
May 5, 2015
Scarlett and Family, our deepest and sincere condolences. May our Lord grant you the strength and peace you need at this time. Joe may you rest in our Lord's Heavenly Kingdom. We will cherish our few by great camping memories. Mike and Lucy Laine
Gary Kollenborn
May 4, 2015
Joe was also an assistant football coach at IVC and players and staff enjoyed his teaching skills and ability to develop both professional and friendly relationship with all he came in contact with. Condolences to His entire family. Gary Kollenborn
Maria Sanchez Condit
May 4, 2015
"RIP TEACHER JOE DENNIS WILLINGHAM"
My condolences, thoughts and prayers go to Mrs. Willingham, children and family members, friends and students.
Remembering a great man, friend and most of all an awesome math teacher in 1973.
Bette Reyes
May 4, 2015
Scarlett, you & your family are in my prayers for comfort & peace . Joe is now dancing with Angel's in Heaven. With Love, Eddie & Bette Davis Reyes
Magda Rombaut
May 4, 2015
My condolences to Jason and Scarlett.
Our thoughts are with you in this very sad time.
Freddy/Jenny Benavides
May 3, 2015
Our condolences to Mrs.Scarlett Willingham and family. He was a really nice teacher and coach.
lilly zeleny
May 3, 2015
GOD BLESS ALL THE FAMILIES OF WILLINGHAM. My prayers go to HIM and the FAMILIES
Chad LeMert
May 3, 2015
My thoughts and prayers to the Willingham family. He was a great coach and teacher.
Barbara Harbert
May 3, 2015
Scarlet, So sorry to hear of Joe passing. He leaves so many happy memories and will be missed by many.
May 3, 2015
Scarlett, From our family to yours, you have our most sincere condolences.
Joe, Pat, and Joe Joe Maruca
Dawn
May 3, 2015
Mr. Willingham was well liked and respected by everyone at BUHS. He seemed to love his job and was always friendly. My condolences to his family.
Steve Willingham
May 3, 2015
My thoughts are with the family.
Stephan Gibson
May 3, 2015
My condolences to the Willingham family. Joe was a great man, had a great sense of humor and it was a pleasure for me to spend my senior year in High School with him as his teacher's assistant. He is and will always be missed.
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