Charles Willingham

In the quietness of the early morning hours of Saturday, March 30, 2019, the golden key opened the door of eternity for Charles Willingham. Charles was born on Sunday, December 25, 1955 in McDuffie County, GA to both the late Hattie Bell Willingham and Leroy Kinsey, Jr.

Affectionately known to many as “Ham”, Charles received his childhood education by attending the public schools of McDuffie County, GA. He graduated from the Thomson High School in Thomson, GA with the Class of 1974. At an early age in life, he professed his belief in Jesus The Christ, and joined the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church of Thomson, GA.

Charles enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard Battery B 1st BN 214th Field Artillery on June 28, 1974. He served for twenty dedicated years, and retired as Sergeant on Wednesday, June 28, 1995. Our beloved Charles enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved spending quality time with his family. He was a good person with a gentle spirit. It is without a doubt, he will be missed from our family tree. He is preceded in death by a brother, Richard Willingham and a grandmother, Annie Ruth Willingham.

Unforgettable moments and cherishable memories will forever be remembered by those who have survived him: a daughter, Tamara Hatcher of Thomson, GA; two sons, Marlo (Feleica) Harris of Dublin, GA and Corey D. (LaShune) Willingham of Lithonia, GA; nine grandchildren; a sister, Renae (L.C.) Brown of Thomson, GA; a brother, James Willingham of Thomson, GA; a step-father, Johnny B. Swain of Thomson, GA; five step-sisters, Mattie Adams, Johnnie Mae (Johnny) Wilder, Ida Mae Swain, all of Warrenton, GA, Catherine, (Foster) Moss of Camak, GA and Kathleen (Tommy Lee) Lucas of Atlanta, GA; a devoted friend, Mary McNair of Thomson, GA; a special friend, Melvin Grant of Thomson, GA; a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many additional sorrowing friends.