Eddie Karl Willingham

Eddie Karl Willingham

Full Victory Nothing Less

Eddie Karl Willingham, age 78, was called to his Heavenly home on October 10, 2016.  He was born in Houston, Texas on December 26 to his sweet parents, William “Bill” Trube Willingham and Versie “Pete” Hamilton Willingham. He was one of 4 children, Jerrell Willingham of Russelllvillle, Arkansas, Jackie Willingham of Highland, Texas, and a sister Francis Adair of LaVaca, Arkansas.

Eddie grew up in Silsbee, Texas and then moved to Atkins, Arkansas at the age of 15 upon his mother’s passing. He graduated from Atkins High School with the class of 1956 and then traveled back to Beaumont, Texas to attend Lamar College. He began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1957 and retired after 43 years in June of 2000.  Eddie served in the National Guard of Beaumont for 15 years and received an Honorable Discharge. To say the least, Eddie was a hardworking man and a provider. He was often heard saying, “Full Victory, Nothing Less.” Those are words that he lived by.

With the blessing of her parents, Eddie married his one true love, Patsy Brown on December 4, 1959 and enjoyed 56 years of wedded bliss. Patsy’s daddy, Papa, gave him great praise once saying, “He is Much of a Man” and this was true from cradle to grave. Eddie and Patsy’s love story began over a hamburger and was sealed with a kiss at the drive-in movie theater. When asked what movie was playing, Patsy could not recall saying she was so worried about getting a kiss that the movie did not matter! They had two children, Sonia Willingham Cain and Carey Alan Willingham who wanted to share some of their precious memories of their father’s journey here on earth. Eddie was a kind and compassionate father that taught his children the meaning of unconditional love. Sonia’s favorite memory of him is of the night that she was saved. That evening an Evangelistic preacher was ministering, and Eddie was not so sure that he was going to attend. After some convincing, he accompanied Sonna Bee, as he called her, to the church and then down the aisle after she whispered to him that God was calling her to be saved. Eddie followed in his daughter’s footsteps down the same aisle approximately 2 years later when he dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior.  Eddie studied his Bible and worshipped His Lord daily.

Being a man, Carey had to add a story of adventure. He told of a vacation to Tennessee when he decided to become a cliff diver at the age of 9 after watching the big boys do it. “Daddy, do you think I can do it?” and without a pause Eddie responded, “Full Victory, Nothing Less!” In order to comfort Patsy he quickly dropped his trousers and ran to be by his side just in case.  On this day, Carey experienced what it meant to have been given the gift of true confidence from his Dad.  To Carey, his Daddy was his biggest hero and still is.

Eddie has 5 grandchildren; Derrick Cain of Novato, California, Dillon Cain of Silverthorne, Colorado, born to Ed and Sonia Cain of Silsbee, Texas and Molly Ann Willingham, Mattie Lee Willingham, Ty Alan Willingham born to Carey and Kenda Willingham of Rockwall, Texas. Their Pap’s gave one of the most precious gifts that we have here on earth, something that you cannot get back. He gave them his time and love. Patsy said, “His grandkids brought him the most joy” and I can only imagine this is because of the numerous tea parties he attended and the number of “fellowshippin” sessions in the backyard drinking coffee and coffee milk for the kids of course.  Pap’s gave each of his grandkids his own special nickname too which made them feel extra special.

Eddie was greeted in heaven by many friends and family members including his parents; loving in-laws, Nanny and Papa; and two brothers. He is survived by his sister Francis Adair of LaVaca, Arkansas; his adoring wife, Patsy Brown Willingham; two children and their spouses, Ed and Sonia Cain of Silsbee, Texas; Carey and Kenda Willingham of Rockwall, Texas and 5 grandchildren, Derrick and Dillon Cain, and Molly Ann, Mattie Lee and Ty Alan Willingham.

A gathering of Mr. Willingham’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 12, 2016, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 13, 2016, at R. S. Farmer Memorial Cemetery, Third Street, Silsbee

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Baylor, Scott and White Medical Center in Rowlett, Texas as well as all of the staff at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas.  In accordance with Eddie’s motto, “Full Victory, Nothing Less” he was determined that there will one day be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.  He would say, “Right now we can’t cure it but we can treat it”.  If you feel so led, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Beaumont at 700 North St M, Beaumont, TX 77701 in memory of Eddie Willingham.