Hiram Leslie “Les” Willingham, 82, of Germantown, TN, died peacefully on January 12, 2023 at his home at The Village of Germantown after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Les was born on June 19, 1940, in Memphis, TN, to Howard Watkins Willingham and Virgie Leslie Jones Willingham. He graduated from Southside High School and Memphis State University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and later his graduate degree. While in college, he met his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Nancy Ryland Willingham. After college, he entered the U.S. Navy in 1962 as a young Ensign, and ultimately joined the Airborne Early Warning Barrier Squadron Pacific based in both In NAS Barbers Point Hawaii and NAS Midway. His next and final assignment was at Naval Air Technical Training Center Memphis. He completed his service as a Lieutenant in 1968.
After moving back to Memphis, Les and Nancy created a wonderful life there with their children Katherine and Don. He enjoyed a long and successful career of 27 years with Holiday Inn, beginning his career at Holiday Inn University overseeing Training and Development, and eventually becoming Senior Vice President of Franchise Development and Operations at the time of his retirement. During retirement, Les enjoyed playing golf with friends at many Memphis-area courses, working on home projects for Nancy and his children, and taking long walks on the Germantown Greenway. His greatest joy was found with his family, especially attending the many school, sports, and life events of his children and grandchildren. Known by his grandchildren as “Papa,” he was always up for the challenge of assisting with a science or social studies project. His creativity and resourcefulness combined with his humility were truly unmatched. He was steady, wise, generous, and quick-witted. With his gentle manner, he gained the respect and affection of all who knew him.
Les was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, William and Howard Willingham; his sisters, Virginia Apperson and Tommy Katherine Upright; and his nephew, Bob Willingham.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Katherine Willingham and Don (Beth) Willingham; his sister, Jean McFarland; four granddaughters: Caroline Brown, Anna Brown, Allie Willingham, and Katherine Willingham; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Germantown, TN, with Visitation beginning at 9:30 AM to be followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 AM. Memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Willingham family.
