Thomas Allen Willman

Tommy was a true patriot. He joined the Marine Corps in April 1958. He was only 17 years of age and served until March 1964. He was a civilian for a short time and then enlisted in the Navy in May 1965. He served his country until he retired in 1991. Tommy achieved the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest enlisted rank.

His service included time in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. Tommy’s specialty was Submarine Force Independent Duty Corpsman. He was assigned to at least five submarines over an 18-year period. He was on the USS Bluefish, USS Mendel Rivers (two assignments), USS George Bancroft, USS Daniel Boone, and USS John Adams. He was known as “Doc” on the ship. These military assignments took him to destinations all over the world.

Tommy’s home in South Carolina had access to Goose Creek Reservoir. Tommy spent many hours fishing with his wife, son-in-law Derrick and grandson Blake, sometimes fishing from the bank or taking their boat out and fishing in the reservoir. He looked forward to the annual fishing trip with the men from his church and son-in-law Derrick.

A huge football fan, Tommy followed the Cleveland Browns, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Carolina Gamecocks.

Tommy was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Willman, mother Dollie Meehan, brothers Richard, David, Elgar (Booty), Daniel, Terry, Timothy, and Russell, niece Kristy Willman, and his mother-in-law, Elma (MaMaw) Goff. Tommy lost his wife, Charlene Goff Willman, on June 20, 2022. Charlene was the love of his life, and they were married 41 years.

Tommy is survived by his daughter, Kelli Johnson; son-in-law Derrick Johnson; grandson Blake Johnson; his only remaining brother and sister-in-law, Garry Willman (Simone); sister Patty and her significant other, Tom Bundy; sisters-in-law Bonnie Willman and Judy Willman; nephews Todd, Davy, Jason, Thomas, Steven, Daniel, and James Willman, and John Schrader; and nieces Sherri, Shore, Danay, Kristi, Kelli, Keri, Melissa and Amy.

Tommy moved to Ohio in March due to his failing health. He spent his remaining days at Dublin Retirement Village, Dublin, Ohio, close to his sister, Patty, Tom Bundy, niece Melissa Wolfingbarger and her husband, Ben, and great-nephews Chase, Xander and Luke. He enjoyed outings at Indian Lake and playing the card game Phase 10. (Somehow, he always managed to win!)

Tommy was well cared for by the amazing staff at Dublin Village and his Ohio family. Tommy was very grateful for all of the support he received from Davy and Wendy Willman, great-nephew Tommy Willman, and great-niece Sammy Harris and Melissa Wolfingbarger.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be conducted at a later date at Carolina Memorial Garden, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406. More details will be available soon.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to: Northwood Academy, 104 Charger Drive, Summerville, SC 29486.