Grady “Carl” Willingham, 75, a 40 year resident of Orange coming from Jacksonville, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 14, 2016. Grady was born on November 20, 1940 in Jacksonville, Florida to Grady P. and Florence Blong Willingham who preceded him in death.
Also preceding Grady in death were his step-mother Maude Willingham, his brother, Kenneth Willingham, his sisters Peggy Shemetulskis and Louise Collins, and his nephew Russell Willingham, Jr. Survivors include his loving wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Willingham of Orange, his sons Bruce Willingham of Vidor, Brian Willingham of Vidor, Robert Willingham and wife Desiree of Bridge City, and Darren Willingham of Beaumont, and daughters Kit Elrod and husband Ron of North Carolina, Kimberly Jones and husband Obie from Austin, and Tracy Usry and husband Mike of Baytown. He is also survived by his sisters Jessie Williams, Brenda Colfry, Marie Moore all of Jacksonville, Florida and his brother Rusty Willingham of Greensboro, North Carolina. Grady had several grandchildren who he loved and adored including David Willingham, Danielle Willingham, Derrick Willingham, Andrew Willingham, Sienna Willingham, Kristin Galbreath, Kara Willingham, Keith Willingham, Abbi Willingham, Jeannie Willingham, Darryl Willingham, Darren Willingham, Jr., Tyler Elrod, Allison Elrod, Grace Usry, Emilia Usry, Obie B. Jones, Emily Jones, five great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Grady proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 21 years prior to retiring. He served during the Vietnam War and also had tours in the Mediterranean, Scotland and several locations along the United States east coast. Upon retiring, Grady worked at Chevron Chemical in Orange for 22 years where he served as a Maintenance Supervisor and received many awards. Following his retirement from Chevron, Grady followed one his great passions of woodworking and began a business, Willingham Way, with his wife, Elizabeth. Along with woodworking, Grady’s other great passions were traveling and spending time with family.
A funeral service will be held to celebrate Grady’s life on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 2:00p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in the chapel. The service will be officiated by Pastor Claude B. Williamson. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. until the memorial service begins at 2:00 p.m.
Grady’s thoughts on memorial contributions were to, “Keep your money.” However, if you would like to give a memorial contribution please donate to your favorite charity in honor of Grady.
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