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Obituary For Roosevelt Willingham
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.
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I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Willingham only a few times, and each time was an absolute pleasure. He had a quiet yet strong presence. I absolutely fell in love with this family. My family was always treated as family and welcomed with open arms........so that's what we are ....family. Mrs. Willingham, Nicole, Kiley and big bro, We love you guys. We send our condolences and will continue to keep you uplifted in prayer. We are here for you .❤️❤️
The Harper's ( David ,Shonda,Nikolaus & N'Riyah)
We only got to be with Roosevelt twice. At our dear Kamilah's Pomona College graduation and Cody's and Kamilah's wedding. What a great family we have joined due to a graduation and then a wedding I only wish we could have many more gatherings with you all and would still hope to hear the many stories and memories of this great man who was also so gracious and warm welcoming Chuck and I to your family who is now ours. He will be missed. Love to you all. Cathy and Chuck Peterson
God is holding you guys in his arms. My love to you. I will miss seeing him come by the job to say hi with that smile and kind word of his. Lucy.
Sending my condolences and prayers to you and you family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Love Always Melissa Robinson and familyJ
You're in my thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in knowing that God is always close to give you strength, peace and all that you need. Love, Annie Grier ('Lois')
Nicole we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Lawrence & Doris Martin
Our condolences AlandCarolynlockhart
Deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. May he rest in God's loving arms. Kerry Gordon
UNCLE ROOSEVELT MAN ALL THE MEMORIES OF YOU WHEN I WAS A KID. You will definitely be missed sleep on angel and continue to watch over Everybody.. U will truly be missed LOVE U MUCH KEYONIA BONNER AND FAMILY
So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of peace and comfort and most of all love. Scootie
Uncle Roosevelt will truly be missed. I remember going fishing with him on his boat and spending many nights at his house with cousin Nicole. I also remember traveling across country with him and family from Canada to California to Dallas, TX to name a few. Those are some great memories that will forever be imprinted in my memory bank. Thank you so much! Love you all much!😘 Rest In Peace Uncle Roosevelt
-Jeanna Michelle and family
We are sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family. George and Rhonda Streat
Mr. Willingham was the first man to take me fishing on a boat many years ago. When I went fishing with him I felt so honored to be with a group of men that really knew how to fish and catch them. I learned so much from him. He will truly be missed. Love you all, Robert Sheats
Our deepest sorrows to all the family and friends for their loss, may you find comfort, endurance and peace during this time of bereavement. Revelation 21:3,4: John 5:28,29:3:16, Acts 24:15: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Peter 5:6,7 Albert and Darlene C
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
