Gary Willingham

Gary Jay Willingham, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday September 6, 2014 in Abilene following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services for Gary will be held Monday September 8 at 2:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation with the family will be held Sunday from 5 to 7 PM at the funeral home.

Gary was born on August 29, 1929 and raised in Woodson, TX, the son of the late Joe and Jewell Willingham he was a lifelong resident of Abilene. In his early years Gary worked on the family farm and helped in his uncles grocery store. After graduating from Woodson High School in 1946, he attended Tarleton State University for 2 years, then Texas Tech University and graduated with a Bachelors in Business in 1951. He met his wife, Betsy Moreland, as his best friend was dating her sister. They were married on Christmas day 1951 at the local preachers house in Breckenridge, TX. In 1953 Gary joined the Air Force as a Lieutenant and served for 2 years. After serving in the Air Force, Gary had the opportunity to join Dunigan Tool and Supply in Abilene as an accountant and took pride in his business for over 30 years and relished the friends he made during his time in business.

Gary had a passion for others and serving Christ as a Deacon at Crescent Heights Baptist Church and as a charter member and Church treasurer for over 57 years. His life of service was also evident through his work as a member of Hendrick Medical Center Board of Trustees for 18 years. Gary also had a passion for Gods creation and cherished his time spent in Northern New Mexico trout fishing on the Baca Ranch with his family and friends.

Gary is survived by his wife of 63 years Betsy Moreland Willingham son Kerry Willingham and wife Debbie of Edmond, Ok, son Kevin Willingham and wife Anne of Tyler, TX 7 grandchildren 10 great grandchildren many close friends.

The family request memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to the Crescent Heights Baptist Church at 1902 N Mockingbird Ln, Abilene, TX 79603.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Sunday, September 7, 2014
5:00 7:00 PM

Service

Chapel Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Monday, September 8, 2014
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606