David Joe Willingham was born December 7, 1948 to Joe Calvin Willingham and Mary Lee (Tate) Willingham. He passed on from his earthly body to heaven on July 21, 2026 after battling congestive heart failure complications for several years.

His fond early memories included being in church somewhere almost every night while his parents sang, no doubt leading to his magnetic attachment to gospel music, and particularly, for him, bluegrass gospel music. He grew up with one sibling, an older brother, Ray Calvin. They both could tell stories on each other. This idyllic time ended suddenly and also provided experiences that shaped David into the man he became later in life.

At a young age David married Shirline Looney, and the union produced three children: Valerie Jo Willingham Martin of Ardmore (husband Terry and children Jayci and Kerry), Michael Lance Willingham of Pittsburg, Texas (wife Wendy and children Loren, Luke, and Lila), and Gregory David Willingham of Killeen, Texas (wife Tammy and children Anika, Tyson, Leanna, Kalani, Hannah, Lauren, Shelby, and Liam).

The three children gained a second mother when David married Susan Miller, 49 years ago. They made many special memories as a family unit, and continue to do so. Now they have 17 (19 later this year) great-grandchildren to get down on the floor and play with, and tease and tickle, and take for rides on grandpa's mobility scooter, and make special memories.

David and Susan enjoyed time away from busy lives exploring God's creation. They drove the 4-wheel drive mountain roads in Colorado many times. They traveled the country on their Honda Goldwing, camping from it in the early days when funds were tight. They went to Alaska several times to explore that amazing state and surrounding waters without taking an Alaskan cruise. Banff National Park in Canada was a very special place to them. And they were blessed to tour Germany and Switzerland because of a connection made with German Polizei while on a National Guard mission.

Whatever job or task David was performing, he absolutely gave it his all:   

Working at age 13 as a janitor at his school to support his mom;    

Being drafted into the Army to serve in Vietnam-climbing an antennae during an attack to reestablish communication;                                                                                                                                            

 Serving the Ardmore Police Department for 22 years, many of them as Chief of Detectives or Asst. Chief,   serving and protecting the citizens of Ardmore with passion (understatement!). Most of the criminal element was very aware of him, as evidenced by 7,000 career arrests;      

Extending his military career(total 31 years) by joining the Oklahoma Army National Guard, his strong work ethic was in play as he rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, even the State Command Sergeant Major for a time. He accumulated many awards and medals, and lifelong friendships. Some of his military awards: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and many more.

In his last few weeks, David said, "I love my country. Make sure they know that."

Fond memories include gathering around tables to eat and visit and play games, visits to cemeteries every Memorial Day, listening to his stories (all the time!) about his many unique experiences.

David wrote his life history (63 pages of very interesting reading) and he gave credit to the people who helped him and influenced him, and most of all to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.