Jesse Leon Willingham, Sr.

Services for Jesse Leon Willingham, Sr. will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Buddy Covington and Rev. Jimmy Holder officiating. Burial will follow in Bloomfield Cemetery in Neshoba County. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until service time at McClain-Hays Funeral Home. Mr. Willingham, 75, of Philadelphia, died Saturday, March 14, 2020. A native of Amite County, he lived most of his life in Neshoba County. He served his country four years as a Navy veteran in the Vietnam Conflict and Cuban Crisis. He retired after 39 years with KCS railroads. Jesse was a dedicated member of Bloomfield Congregational Methodist Church where he served as church leader and deacon for many years. He was a true believer in God and lived by the Bible. He was known for helping others and had a big heart; Jesse will be missed by many. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. In years past he and his wife loved traveling and going on road trips together, but most of all he loved visiting and taking care of his wife. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Darthy Willingham of Philadelphia; sister, Vivian Wells; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Willingham was preceded in death by a son, Jesse Willingham, Jr.; parents, Jesse and Dorthy Willingham; sister, Mary Harris; and brother, Tony Willingham. Pallbearers are Brad Anthony, Grady Pierce, Tyler Graham, James Earl Cumberland, Hilton Harris, Derwin Harris, Zach Sanders, Clay Sanders, Blake Sanders, Tanner Wells. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Bloomfield Church, Johnny Peebles and Jessie Robinson.