Obituary for John Howard Willingham
John Howard Willingham of Maypearl, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the age of 61. John was born to John Cleburne Willingham and Jean Ann (Hamilton) Willingham in Brownwood, Texas. He graduated from North Garland High School in 1978 and went on to get his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1989. John accepted Christ at a young age, and was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Garland, Texas. He enjoyed going on mission trips with the youth group at church and playing in the church’s basketball league.
John worked for SkyChef at DFW International Airport eventually taking a promotion to Miami International Airport and moved his family to Florida for a few years. After being homesick for Texas, he got a transfer back to DFW. Wanting to raise his family outside of the big city and start a ranch, he found his home in Maypearl, Texas. Once John had his ranch, he took up his greatest hobby; cutting horses. John loved animals his entire life. Living in the country allowed him to surround himself with as many cows, horses, and dogs as he could count. His best bud, his dog Hank went everywhere with him.
Not long after the move back to Texas he decided to shift career paths and started his own business. He owned and operated many businesses before he became a home inspector, which he continued to do until his death. His work ethic was something he took great pride in and worked at to do his best every day.
He was a beloved father, son, brother, and friend. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean Ann Willingham. John is survived by his wife, Julissa Willingham, daughter Sela Willingham and step-son Sebastian DeLaSierra; Mother of his son, Kay Rafferty Willingham, son Coye Willingham and his wife, Aina; one grandson, Coye John Wesson Willingham; his father, John C. Willingham; sister, Laura Willingham and his niece and nephew, Taylor and Tyler Gustafson and numerous extended family and friends.
John’s memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday February 21, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Maypearl, 5744 FM 66 P. O, Maypearl, TX 76064. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be given to your local ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The family would like to thank each of you for being here with us as we remember John.
John worked for SkyChef at DFW International Airport eventually taking a promotion to Miami International Airport and moved his family to Florida for a few years. After being homesick for Texas, he got a transfer back to DFW. Wanting to raise his family outside of the big city and start a ranch, he found his home in Maypearl, Texas. Once John had his ranch, he took up his greatest hobby; cutting horses. John loved animals his entire life. Living in the country allowed him to surround himself with as many cows, horses, and dogs as he could count. His best bud, his dog Hank went everywhere with him.
Not long after the move back to Texas he decided to shift career paths and started his own business. He owned and operated many businesses before he became a home inspector, which he continued to do until his death. His work ethic was something he took great pride in and worked at to do his best every day.
He was a beloved father, son, brother, and friend. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean Ann Willingham. John is survived by his wife, Julissa Willingham, daughter Sela Willingham and step-son Sebastian DeLaSierra; Mother of his son, Kay Rafferty Willingham, son Coye Willingham and his wife, Aina; one grandson, Coye John Wesson Willingham; his father, John C. Willingham; sister, Laura Willingham and his niece and nephew, Taylor and Tyler Gustafson and numerous extended family and friends.
John’s memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday February 21, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Maypearl, 5744 FM 66 P. O, Maypearl, TX 76064. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be given to your local ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The family would like to thank each of you for being here with us as we remember John.