Harold "Fred" Willingham, Jr.

II Timothy 4:7: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Harold “Fred” Willingham, Jr., age 79, of Johnson City, TN, passed away, peacefully, at his home, with his family at his bedside, on September 13, 2024. Fred’s cause of death was ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). He was born in Memphis, TN., on July 9, 1945, to the late Harold F. Willingham, SR., and Mable Dickenson Willingham. He grew up in Andover, VA, where he played football at Appalachian High School, and moved to Johnson City, TN at age 16. He graduated from Science Hill High School in 1963, where he also played football. He graduated from ETSU in 1968 with a degree in Microbiology and in 1976 with a Master’s degree in Environmental Health. He worked for the state of Tennessee in the Hazardous and Solid Waste division, for over 40 years.

Fred was a mentor of many youth, in his 20+ years of coaching football and basketball through the Boys Club and then with the National Little League baseball. He loved coaching and had so many wonderful boys/girls that played for him.

Fred was a former member of the former Cherokee United Methodist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher as well as youth leader. He was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church for several years and was reunited with many of the former members of Cherokee UM Church.

Fred will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Peggy DeVotie Willingham, son, Harold F. Willingham, III (Kim), and daughter, Tara Deana Willingham Belknap (Scott). In addition, 6 grandchildren: Kalee Barbis (Tim), Kelsie Jones (Will), Maddux Willingham, Camden Willingham, Jaiden Willingham, and Joey Belknap. Great-grandchildren: Peter Barbis and Jennings Barbis and soon to be born, Braylen Jones. Also surviving Fred is his brother, Ralph Willingham (Cheryl) and many cousins.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to YaYa, our Silver Angel Aide, who provided excellent care to Fred, Amedisys Hospice team: Sarah, RN, Stephen, Chaplin, Jerry, Social Worker and Richard, Aide. Their concern and care of Fred’s well-being was wonderful and greatly appreciated.

Per Fred’s wishes, there will be no service and he will be cremated. His last request, in lieu of flowers, was for donations to the ALS Association or the charity of your choice. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is proudly serving the Willingham family. (423) 282-1521