E.E. (John) Willingham

   E..E. (John) Willingham, age 97, passed peacefully from this world on Jan. 8, 2016. Born in Marsden, Okla., to John Thomas and Vicy Lou Rains Willingham, he was the youngest son of 14 children. He married Viola Gilliam on Oct. 28, 1939, and they had 75 amazing years together. She preceded him in death on Jan. 24, 2015.
   John is survived by his son Gene and wife Helen of Vernon; a granddaughter, Jennifer and husband Philip Williamson of Fort Worth; a grandson, John and wife April Willingham of Dallas, and six great grandchildren, Philip, David, Andrew, and Daniel Williamson, and Abigail and Johnny Willingham.
   While living in Ardmore, John attended Plainview High School and two years of Ardmore Business College. He worked for the Ardmore Fire Department, retiring as a captain. After retirement, John worked for Uniroyal Tire Company for eight years.
   John was a lifetime member of Post 65 American Legion, DAV, a lifetime member of NRA, and First Baptist Church of Ardmore. He was a veteran of the United States Navy.
   John loved hunting and being outdoors, especially with his son and grandchildren. He cherished any and all time spent with family and friends. We are comforted knowing that he is safely with his Lord and with his precious wife, Viola.
   There will be a graveside service in Baum, Okla. at Lone Cedar Cemetery on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, at 2 p.m. under the direction of Harvey Douglas Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the Harvey Douglas Funeral Home (2118 S. Commerce in Ardmore, Okla.) at 12:30 p.m. The procession to the cemetery will leave the funeral home at 1:15 p.m.
   Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.