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Jerry Franklin Willingham, 69, died on November 30, 2011 in his home in Jackson, TN after a battle with cancer.
He was born October 11, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan to James and Thelma Willingham. He graduated from Lawrence County High School in Lawrenceburg, TN and attended Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN. He married Emma Jane Giles on July 19, 1962.
Jerry was employed by Cupples J&J Company since 1971 and was plant manager of the machine shop. He was a member of the St. John's Masonic Lodge and was an Al Chymia Shriner. He attended Meridian Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Emma; his mother, Thelma Schultz Willingham, Murfreesboro, TN; a sister, Linda Hammonds, Murfreesboro, TN; two daughters, Tina McMurry, Jackson, TN and Lynn Rushing, Jackson, TN; two sons, Jay Willingham, Memphis, TN and Lane Willingham , Jackson, TN; and six grandchildren, Shelby Rushing, Taylor Rushing, Cade Willingham, Josie Willingham, Zoey McMurry, and Kristi McMurry; two nieces and one nephew.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 2, from 5pm until 8pm and the funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 1pm, all held at George A. Smith and Sons South Chapel. Entombment will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 5, 2011
Tina, praying for you and your family. Debbie Newell
December 3, 2011
Mario Orosa
We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the Willingham family. I knew Jerry from back in the 1970's when I was with Quaker Oats and later with Procter & Gamble. It was a pleasure dealing with Jerry professionally and personally as well. I attended many a meeting at St. John Lodge when he was Master.
December 2, 2011
Carolyn Haggard
Words cannot express the sorry of learning of Jerry's passing. My thoughts and prayers go with you and your family as you travel through this valley;
December 2, 2011
Treila Marshall
Blessings to The Willingham Family during this very hard time for you all! I pray that God gives you peace that surpasses all understanding! I lift you all up in prayer as always and forever! Thanks for the times I got to spend with "Dad"! I love you all!
December 2, 2011
Callessia Smith
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season. Jerry will be missed by all that knew him.
December 2, 2011
So sorry to hear of his passing. Our sympathey to the family. --Joe & Margaret Modena
December 2, 2011
Rowland Fisher
Prayers for the family in this time of loss and grief. Jerry was a good father and he always liked watching his children play sports.
Rowland Fisher
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Funeral services provided by:
George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home1544 South Highland, Jackson, TN 38301
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