Benny Willingham Obituary, Death – Born May 14, 1948 in Pikeville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Cleve Willingham and Cleo Mullins Roach of Mullens and the late Ray Roach. Benny graduated from Mullens High School in 1966. He passed away on Monday, April 5, 2010 as a result of a tragic mining accident. He had served his country during the Vietnam War as a veteran of the US Air Force. He worked as a coal miner for more than 30 years and belonged to the UMWA. Benny served as a deacon and devoted member of the Mullens Family Worship Center. He was a devoted Christian brother as well as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Serving the Lord was Benny’s top priority. Nothing made him happier than watching his grandchildren play sports than spending time with his family. He enjoyed lifting weights and bowling. He is survived by his wife, Edith Mae (Edie Mae) Prillaman Willingham; his mother, Cleo Roach of Mullens; one daughter, Michelle McKinney and her husband, Danny, of Corinne; two sons, Jody Canada and his wife, Tammy, of Bud; and Patrick Canada of Mullens; as well as the loves of his life, six precious grandchildren, Tiffany Michell. He was also predeceased by a brother, Paul Willingham, and Services will be at 11:00 a.m. He also had a large number of nieces and nephews and was surrounded by many friends.
Rev. Gary Pollard will preside on Friday, April 9, 2010 at the Mullens Pentecostal Holiness Church. Friends may call from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for the funeral. Interment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Pallbearers will be Lonnie Prillaman, Nick Prillaman, James Miller, Tad Woody, Tim Woody, Butch Clark, and Jamie Clark. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Council. Sympathy donations may be made to the Mullens Family Worship Center, 812 Maple Avenue, Mullens, WV, 25882.
