Terry Dean Willingham passed away on January 6, 2024, at 70, in Cleveland, Oklahoma.
Terry was born on January 15, 1953, in Stroud, Oklahoma, the son of Kenneth and Helen Grace (Hannah) Willingham. Terry grew up and attended school in Stroud, where he graduated with the Class of 1971. Terry was part of the back-to-back state football championship team in high school. On January 13, 1973, Terry was united in marriage to Beverly Lynn Chapman in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Following their marriage, Terry and Beverly moved to Stroud, Oklahoma. Terry gained employment at Allied Refinery until 1974, when they moved to Pauls Valley, and he began working for Pauls Valley Concrete. Terry later gained employment with Halliburton and was a Fracmaster. During his time with Halliburton, they resided in Pauls Valley, Enid, and Oklahoma City. 1985, Terry moved his family to Cushing and was employed at Oklahoma Oilwell Co. In 1995, Terry began working as the transportation shop foreman for the Cushing School District. In 1999, Terry retired due to health reasons. Following retirement, Terry helped at Davis Funeral Home for several years.
Terry had a big heart and always enjoyed visiting with others and giving “Big Hugs.” Trips to Branson, Eureka Springs, and Stroud Lake were always memorable. Terry always enjoyed taking his little dog Max and service dog Mattie on walks. Terry had several struggles in life, which were losing his driver’s license, carrying his oxygen supply with him, and the constant pain he was in. However, Terry was very proud of volunteering at the Cushing Hospital, Shriner Clown “HuggyBear,” 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, and a member of the First Christian Church in Cleveland.
Survivors include his wife Beverly of the home; two children, Chad Rush-Willingham and spouse John, Tara Murray and spouse Ryan; four siblings Jack Willingham and spouse Pam of Kendrick, Oklahoma, Mary Worley and spouse Donny of Ada, Oklahoma, Janet Burch of Henrietta, Texas, Fay Melton of Edmond, Oklahoma, three grandchildren Deidra Willingham, Clay Murray, Garen Murray and a host of other relatives and friends. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Helen Willingham.
Services were held at 2:00 pm,Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the First Christian Church with Pastor David Logsdon officiating. A burial followed in the WoodlandCemeteryunderthedirectionofChapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Terry at www.chapman-black.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations made in memory ofTerry to the Cleveland Baptist Village or the Cleveland First Christian Church.