Willingham, Johnny Ray & Joann (Davis) Willingham Russell

Submitted by
Sue Hearon, 2002-03
Sue & Earl's Web

JOANN DAVIS WILLINGHAM, RUSSELL

Funeral services for Joann Davis Russell, 70, of Shelbyville, Tenn. who died Wednesday August 15,2001, in Bakersfield, Calif., were to be held this afternoon at Hillcrest Funeral Home. Pastor Jonathan Simms of Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church will officiate with burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

A native of Bradley, Okla., she was the wife of the late Gaylord A. Russell and the daughter of the late Lansford S. and Osie Mae Biddy Davis. She was a homemaker and attended Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Carla Hardin of Shelbyville, and Vicki Sutton of Wasco, Calif.; three sons, Roger Willingham of San Luis Obispo, Calif., John and Jamie Willingham of Bakersfield, Calif.; two brothers, Bill Davis of Delano, Calif., and Ray Davis of Rifle, Colorado; two sisters, Jean Barham of Shelbyville, and Ann Ewers of Bakersfield, Calif.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Willingham.

Johnny Ray Willingham

March 20, 1954 - April 6, 2003

A memorial service for Johnny Ray Willingham will be held at Basham Funeral Care (3312 Niles St.), 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 12, 2003.

Johnny Ray Willingham was born on March 20, 1954, in Wasco, CA, and he passed away on April 6, 2003, in Glennville, CA. Johnny had gone hiking with his best friend, his dog, Rudy, in the Green Horn Mountains. After becoming lost for 12 days, and great efforts made to find him, his body was found alongside his best friend, Rudy, who was guarding his master.

Johnny attended North High School graduating in 1972. He was employed by Hopper, Inc. for 20 years before it closed. He then worked as a steel fabricator for McCathy Tank & Steel until it closed. Johnny then retired due to illness. He was preceded in death by his mother Mattie Joann (Davis) Willingham, Russell. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Donna Willingham; daughter, Lisa Willingham of Bakersfield; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Jeff Davis of Bakersfield; father, J.B. Willingham and wife, Genny of Bakersfield; brother and sister-in-law, Jamie and Pam Willingham of Bakersfield; sister and brother-in-law, Karla and Billy Hardin of Tennessee; sister and brother-in-law, Vickie and James Sutton of Wasco; brother, Roger Willingham of San Luis Obispo, CA.

Johns daughter, Sarah, is expecting their first child in July. John was so looking forward to his first grandchild and being a grandpa. John was a self-taught musician who loved to build his own instruments. He built the dulcimer and played it beautifully, he played the guitar and harmonica. John gave of his time to play at nursing homes. John received the Lord at Sunshine Church and was baptized with his daughter, Lisa, at the Kern River near Hart Park. We praise God that John was a child of God, and is now at peace. John will be greatly missed by those who knew him along with many extended family members and friends. Until we see you in Heaven may you truly enjoy your new home. please contact Basham Funeral Care.