Donald Wilingham
Gary Donald Wilingham, 55, of Union City passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Born on May 21, 1970, in Tuscumbia, Ala., he was the beloved son of Joyce (Baggett) Willingham and the late Carl Gary Willingham.
Donald was a 1988 graduate of Obion County Central High School. He had been employed as a deck hand in the river boat industry and enjoyed gaming and working on computers. Donald was an avid Alabama football fan. “Roll Tide.”
He is survived by his mother, Joyce Willingham of Union City; one son, Cody Bryant Willingham and wife, Kodi, of McKenzie; two daughters, McKenzie Cottingham and husband, Jake, of Martin and Ali Willingham of Union City; his girlfriend, Amy Beavers of Jackson; five grandchildren, Bryant Willingham and Reese Willingham, both of McKenzie, and Jake Cottingham, Abel Cottingham and Damien Cottingham, all of Martin; one brother, Carl Thomas “Tommy” Willingham and wife, Karen, of Union City; three sisters, Doris Ann Toon and husband, Kevin, of Union City, Joyce Marie Roberts and husband, Chris, of Houston, Texas, and Cathy Diane Willingham of Union City; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by one infant brother, Jimmy Dale Willingham; and one nephew, Kyle Matthew Toon.
Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home. Brother Chip Davis will officiate. Burial will follow in Fremont Cemetery near Union City.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the hour of services Saturday.
Pallbearers will be Josh Weaver, Justin Taylor, Jerry Long, Brian Howard, Chucky Darnall and Tony Darnall.
Honorary pallbearers will be Donald’s grandchildren and Collin Lane.
The Messenger 5.30.25