Thomas Newton Willingham Jr.

Thomas Newton (T.N.) Willingham age 99, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday. February 6, 2021 at 1 o'clock at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Macland Chapel in Powder Springs, GA with Rev. Tommy Willingham officiating. A private family burial will take place at Georgia National Cemetery on February 15, 2021. Thomas was born on February 13, 1921, in Menlo, GA. He proudly served his country during WWII and was a part of the first wave landing at Normandy. When he returned home, he married Ola Kathleen Willingham in March of 1948. Mr. Willingham was a farmer in early life, and later began a career as a commercial electrician with IBEW Local 613 until his retirement in 1982. After retirement, Mr. Willingham stayed busy in his garden, restoring Chevrolet Corvairs, camping with his wife, family and friends, and enjoying his grandchildren. Mr. Willingham is a founding member of Hope United Methodist Church in Dallas, GA, and spent much of his retirement years serving as “Chief Parking Lot Greeter” meeting all with a smile and genuine “Good Morning and welcome to Hope”. Mr. Willingham was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Willingham and Lena Willingham as well as brothers and sisters who have gone on before him. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, daughter, Annette (Michael) Mitchell of Temple, GA, son, Tommy (Dee) Willingham of Dalton, GA., brother, Max Willingham & sister, Judy Harper. Mr. Willingham has five grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was known and beloved by all who knew his happy and joyful embrace of each day of life. Many remember him through the years as a coach in the Powder Springs Youth Baseball association, as well as a friend and neighbor who was always there when others needed him. His enthusiastic spirit, and always smiling face was a welcoming beacon for all who knew him. Though he will be greatly missed by his friends and family, he now rejoices in his Saviors presence today, and forever. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021 between the hours of 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Macland Chapel in Powder Springs, GA. Family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Thomas’s name to Hope United Methodist Church, 1970 Charles Hardy Pkwy., Dallas, GA, 30157 or The Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Bellfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL, 32256.

Thomas Newton Willingham Jr.

February 13, 1921 - February 4, 2021