Nealand O. Willingham, 63, a life-time resident of Waco, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away Thursday, September 27, 2012 at a local hospital in the presence of his wife, children and close family. Funeral services will be 10AM Monday, October 1st at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Eddie Castro officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 6PM Sunday, September 30th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Nealand was born December 3, 1948 to Norval O. Willingham and Suzie
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I never saw Nealand without a smile on his face.
My family sometimes watched baseball games at Bosqueville. My dad commented one day that Nealand was quite a hitter saying "he will hit a triple or home-run nearly every time". I decided to watch a little closer, and sure enough he was right.
As teenagers we had a whole lot of fun with harmless foolishness; spinning our car tires in loose gravel, at Six Flags (turning out the lights in the cave), Palacios, playing baseball and on other occasions.
My sincerest condolences to Nealand’s family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Nealand was a good man, a good friend and a beloved cousin I will miss him for now, and join him someday.
I am sorry I could not be there but you were and are in my prayers.
We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to this family. We always saw each other going anf coming, but your presence in the neighborhood will be greatly missed. May God be with you all and comfort you in this time.
To God be the Glory!
Their are lots of words to
express my sympathy!Don’t worry he’s in the MASTRES hands! a Beautiful person, kind to everyonehe meets. I can say for sure, Great husband, father, grandfather & friend.One of the best people, this side of heaven
RIP MY FRIEND. I LOVE YOU STILL
I was so sorry to learn of the death of Nealand. We grew up together and played football through junior and senior high. I remember especially his quick smile and positive approach to life. I am so glad God gave him a wonderful life and beautiful family. It was way too short but very sweet. God bless and comfort you all. David Wilson, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nealand was a good friend. He encouraged everyone. I only saw in twice after graduation from MCC. He came to my moms and dads funeral. He was alot of fun! He will be missed!
Nealand & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear the news about your Dad. We have had many great memories with your Dad. La Vega ball games & activities, Sheriff’s Dept.,and a very good friend. He will truly be missed. Prayers are being said for you and your family during this time in your lives. So glad I wrote the Dr. Pepper Museum to have your Dad as an honored guest during grand opening….he loved his Dr. Pepper’s. If there is anything we can do for you or your family, please feel free to call.
Love you always,
Donna Wade Gammel
I am sorry to hear about Nealand’s passing. I talked to him about a year ago. I remember his laughter when we went to school together at China Spring. I pray God holds his family in his arms and guides you through your sorrow.
My heart goes out to Nealand’s entire family at this time of sorrow. I was so very sad & shocked to hear he is gone. He was a very dear friend since we were in high school together, & he will be missed SO much by so very many, I know. This man was one of a kind, with a personality people were just drawn to. He loved & was very proud of his family (always spoke of them each time I saw him). My prayer is that the Lord will comfort the family in their grief. With deepest sympathy,
Ginger
So sorry for your loss.I grew up with Nealand at Bosqueville we went to school together and church.His mom and dad were friends of my mom and dad. R.I.P.my friend.Janette (Shanks)Flanary
Our family is so very sorry for your loss. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will always remember the good times we had at the little league games. Will miss you.
Nealand, my second Brother. Started Elementary School with him and from that time until we both left for Military Service were always hunting, fishing or playing together. The Willingham family was classic Americana. Their house and dairy was under the runway approach at Waco Regional and anytime we were there, I was caught up in watching the aircraft so close over his house and wanting one day to learn to fly. I loved his Mother and Father.
I will never forget Nealand, a
We have lost a good man and old friend. I will always remember Nealand’s easy laugh and great personality. From the old Bosqueville days to our last China Spring reunion that we attended. My condolences to Nealand’s family.
Nealand and I began the first grade together and went through graduation at China Spring. Our families were very close with brothers, and sisters near the same ages, all growing up in the Bosqueville community attending church,playing sports, hunting, riding bikes etc. We entered the USAF close to the same time, and while I served most of my time in Germany,he was sent to Austin, I was always jealous of that,. We always stayed in touch, he was one of my very closest friends and never failed to call me each birthday anniversary to wish me a Happy Birthday. I know those who were much closer are feeling a great sorrow for his loss, God Bless….
What can I say but, he is truly going to be missed. Such a great sense of humor, his laugh, his smile. I worked with him at the Sheriffs office and have known him since I was a kid. He was a great fellow
My best wishes to Nealand’s family. Always enjoyed seeing Nealand at WalMart.
I remember him from Walmart–how he struck up a conversation; recalling him saying he worked at MCSD. He was very nice, and a hard-working man. No doubt he’s missed by all. Condolences to his family.
My heart goes out to the entire Willingham family at this time of loss and grief. I haven’t seen Nealand in a very long time; perhaps since graduating and leaving China Spring but I have only fond memories of him and his family. My prayers will be that you find comfort and support in the love of old friends and the knowledge that you will be together again someday. Hugs, Lynn
Rest in peace my sweet friend. Nealand was a wonderful man with many frends and family who respected him, trusted him and depended on him. He will be missed immensely! May the presence of God surround his family with grace and with the courage to face the difficult task of saying goodbye to this wonderful man.
To the Willingham family. I met Neland when I was a Police Officer in McGregor, he was always so nice & helpful. I was saddned by hearing of his death. May yall find peace and comfort in prayer, friends and family.
You are in our prayers and thoughts during this time of sorrow in the loss of Nealand.
It was so sad to hear about Nealand. He was always friendly and well liked by everyone that knew him. He will be missed by so many.
Our condolences and prayers are with your family.
Even though I did not know you vary we’ll, I will miss you.
Nealand and I went through school together. He and I were the class clowns so to speak I ran into him in Waco a couple of years ago and he was so proud of his family. My heart goes out to you Evelyn and family.
Nealand "Bean" was a friend for 50 years. Nealand, his Mom and Dad, brothers and sister are good people.
To the Willingham family….So sorry for you loss. Nealand was an awesome person who always had a smile! I (most recently) always enjoyed seeing him at Wal-Mart though was a big change from his Sheriff uniform. He always talked about the grandkids that he was so proud of. He will be missed. We will keep you all in our prayers. Sandy Wachsmann, Mike Samford and family
Dear Nelson, Eloise, and family, Your are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I have such wonderful memories of your parents, and I send my deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother. Love, Shirley Grube
My condolences to Nealand’s family. I knew him from when I worked at the District Clerks office but mainly from New Road Bingo where we worked for years. The last time I saw him was at Walmart one day and I almost didn’t recognize him in "civilian clothes ". He was funny, always had a smile for you when you needed it, and he loved those grandbabies. I know you will miss him terribly and I am so sorry for your loss. Godspeed Nealand and may you rest in peace.
I knew Nealand in Bosqueville and China Spring School .Remember his Mom and Dad.So Sorry for your loss..
Love,
Nancy Mitchiner Wood