Joe Nathan Willingham Sr. was born April 10, 1956 in Pelham, Georgia to the late J.B. and Mattie Pearl Willingham.

Joe attended and graduated from Glades Central Community High School in 1973. After high school he entered the United States Army for a short period of time. During the beginning of his 20-year employment with the United States Sugar Corporation he met the love of his life Velma Miller. They began their life together on Miami Locks (Lake Harbor Camp). Through their never-ending love, the creation of five beautiful children was born. Joe and Velma later relocated to Clewiston, Florida. After 20 years of employment he retired from True Cane Sugar Corporation.

Joe Nathan Willingham closed his eyes the final time on the afternoon of December 13, 2018 after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Joe is preceded in death by six siblings: Ada, Larry, Andrew, Harvey, J.B., and Eddie.

Joe was survived by his beautiful wife, Velma Willingham; 5 children: Tanglia (Donovan), Casandra (Jody), Joe Jr., Larry (Cheska), Jessica (Larry), 8 grandchildren: Nyterian, Markerian, Lil Larry, Jodeci, Khamarion, India, Ja'Ziya, Lyric; 8 siblings: Lorine, James Sr. (Ada), Gloria, Glenda (Evans), Jackie (Willie), Michael (Angela), Sharon; Joe leaves behind a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends to cherish his memories.