Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Willingham will be Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 11:00AM; Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel, 1003 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30310.

Viewing will be Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 2PM-6PM at Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel.

Interment: Westview Cemetery

Due to the spread of COVID-19, we are requesting that everyone please wear double masks.

Services entrusted to Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel, (404)-758-1731.

Roosevelt Willingham, affectionately known as “Blue”, was born in Comer, GA on July 8th, 1934 to the late Doc and Jimmie Willingham. He was the 6th child of 8: Mable, Calvin, Johnny, Sue, Onnie, Roosevelt, Carey and Shirley. Roosevelt was a proud graduate of the well known Washington High School in Atlanta, GA. He later joined the Air Force and while stationed in California, he met his first wife, Ms. Lenore Henderson in Santa Barbara, CA. From that union, Roosevelt Jr. (Daniel or Danny) was born on May 27th, 1955. They later separated, but continued to co-parent together. After proudly serving his country in the military for several years, Roosevelt transitioned into the field of construction where he excelled in hardwood flooring and bathroom tile installation. However, he was compelled by an underlying passion to own and run his own business. His path to entrepreneurship started by moving to Chicago with his sister, Shirley to attend Auto Mechanic School. Upon his return to Atlanta, he partnered up with his brother, Calvin Willingham and friend, Willie James Reid. They cooperatively opened Willingham and Reid, a Gulf full service station in the Westend. That location had great success and they eventually opened another location on South Gordon Street. Thinking of expanding his opportunities and success, Roosevelt attended McDonald’s University in hopes of following in his brother-in- law’s footsteps of owning and operating a McDonald’s franchise. After gaining valuable knowledge and insight in that industry, Roosevelt came to the realization that his affinity for mechanics and cars far outweighed that of being in the fast-food industry, so he focused on the success of the existing businesses. Willingham and Reid filling station later evolved into a self service convenient store later named Willingham’s and is now leased as a Circle K. The second location operated for two years before it was sold. In 1964, he met the love of his life Lillian Ruth Mapp. They later married. In that union a second child was born, Nicole Willingham on June 18th, 1972. Family and business was a priority for Roosevelt. Spending time with his children and making sure they had the best opportunities in life was very important to him. While growing up he taught both his children the understanding of responsibility and hard work. He instilled strong business skills early having them work with him in the business as teenagers, which lead them both to their own successful business ownership. That same love rolled over to many of his nieces and nephews. Many of them viewed him like a second dad and the favorite uncle. Those who knew him knew he had a passion for spit clean classic cars of all models and colors. He also loved to fish. When he wasn’t on the lake with his brother Carey or good friend Walt, he would sit in the basement and play his old records singing all his favorite songs. Travel and family vacations were also a favorite. A family van was purchased for long road trips and mapped out sight seeing tours. Roosevelt was also well known for his wonderful sense of humor. Whenever around friends and family he loved to tell his latest jokes. Some of his favorite conversations with his son, Danny and sister, Shirley was the exchange back and forth of a most recent joke they had heard. Roosevelt was a loving, devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife Lillian; children: son, Roosevelt Jr. (Daniel) and daughter, Nicole Willingham Stanback; grandchildren: Taharqa Willingham, Kamilah Willingham Peterson (Cody Peterson), and Kylie Stanback; great-grandchildren: Remy Peterson and Micah Peterson; sister, Shirley Petty; brother; Kary Willingham (Karen Willingham); and he also leaves a host of beloved nieces, nephews, family, and friends.