Barry Michael Willingham Sr., age 79, of Crane Hill, Alabama passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024.
Mr. Willingham attended Blessed Sacrament School and graduated from John Carroll High School and Jefferson State College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the medical corps in Germany. He received numerous awards and achievements before receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Specialist 5. He spent his entire working career in the Birmingham trucking industry and retired as Executive Vice President of Builders Transportation Company with thirty years of service. At the time of his death Mr. Willingham was the assistant to the President of Buddy Moore Trucking Company. He was also past president of the Birmingham Motor Truck Club and the Birmingham Traffic and Transportation Club. He received the Marcus Whitman Transportation Man of the Year Award at the University of Alabama Annual Transportation Forum. He was also a charter member of Tide Pride.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Patricia Gardner Willingham, a son Barry (Denise) Willingham Jr. of Vestavia Hills, AL, his daughters, Bethany (Justin) Ross of Houston, TX and Beverly (Brandon) Marbut of Huntsville, AL. Other survivors include a sister, Margaret (Jimmy) Freeman and his grandchildren, Brittain Ross, Lydia Marbut, Michael Ross, Mary Chapel Marbut, Claire Ross, Andrew Willingham and Ava Marbut. He is also survived by his niece, Donna Musgrove and his nephew, David Freeman.
In addition to his love of family and catholic faith, he was passionate about the trucking industry. For years, he facilitated the transportation of ductile iron pipe produced in Birmingham to destinations throughout the country. He also enjoyed wonderful times fishing, boating, and barbecuing with friends on his beloved Smith Lake, and spent his Saturdays cheering for the Crimson Tide. He was a charter member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and is currently a member of St. Boniface. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: St. Boniface Stained Glass Window Fund at Sacred Heart Catholic (256) 734 – 3730, 205 3rd Ave SE, Cullman, AL 35055.
A Visitation Service will be held Friday November 29th, 2024, 6:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 205 3rd Avenue SE Cullman, AL 35055, with a Rosary Service to follow at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Saturday November 30th, at 10 a.m. with a graveside service to follow at Elmwood Cemetery – 800 Martin Luther King Jr Dr. Birmingham, AL 35211.
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
