Raymond Willingham

Raymond Earl Willingham was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas at the St. Joseph’s Hospital on September 19, 1962 to Ora Mae Adams Phillips and George Evert Willingham. Raymond passed away at his home on Sunday, March 16 with his wife, Marilyn at his side. Raymond’s entire life was centered around his carpentry skills, as he was a man who could build ‘the phone book’ and was gifted to do so with so much ease and precision. In addition, Raymond’s past times would find him either hunting or fishing; and, should one not find him at his family’s hunting cabin, they were certain to find him at the 70 West Fire Department where he had dedicated 30 years of service to his community.

Raymond is now survived by his wife of 32 years, Marilyn Louise Long Ray Willingham, of their home; his sisters, Ozella Mae Willingham of Pearcy, and Dorthy Willingham Reynolds Harvey of Pearcy; half-sister, Shirley Joyce Phillips Smith of Arkadelphia; his step-children, Chuck (Jana) Ray of Kirby, Gwendolyn (Drew) Stickney of Glenwood; his step-grandchildren, Kaylee Campbell and Dalton (Whitney) Ray; his step great-grandchildren, Beckett & Haddon Campbell & Raleigh Ray; as well as his brother-in-law, Jimmy Sylvester; along with special friends and cohorts, David Rogers, and Steve Tankersley of Pearcy.

Raymond is predeceased by a total of 13 siblings and many other family members including his brother, Charles Willingham; his nephew, Bret Willingham; and his niece, Shanna Willingham.

.

Raymond’s favorite niece of all wanted to share with their family this heartfelt poem of her love for her favorite uncle as it goes as follow:

At Peace Poem

God took you away from us because it was time.

You left us with memories that will forever shine.

Though our hearts are still filled today with sadness & grief,

We know you are at peace.

I love you Uncle Raymond.

Love,

Your Niece, Tonya Phillips-Melton

Pallbearers of Raymond’s service shall be as follow: Chuck Ray, Robert Meyers, David Rogers Jr., Darryl Phillips Jr., Daniel Hill, and Calvin Davis, and Autumn Carlisle.

Honorary Pallbearers of Raymond’s service shall be as follow: 70 West Fire Department employees, Hospice Homecare, and Bruce Wright, David Rogers Sr., Darryl Phillips Sr., and Steve Tankersley.

Visitation with the Family will be held, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home, and the Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Smith Funeral Home located at Pleasant Hill while burial services will be at Oma Cemetery in Pearcy.

These services will be led by Bro. Bernard Rusert.