Edward Dale Willoughby Sr., 74, of Owensboro passed away Monday, November 19, 2018 peacefully at his home. He was born on April 24, 1944 in Livermore, Kentucky to the late Walton Edward and Hattie Bradshaw Willoughby. Ed spent his entire life serving others.
He was a United States Army Veteran, an active member of Masonic Lodge 130, and a member of the Shriners and the Scottish Rites (one of his favorite memories was posing as a clown to entertain young children during the Shriner’s Circus). Ed was a 50- year gold card member of the Laborers International Union of North America. He retired out of Local 1392 of Owensboro, Kentucky and Local 561 of Evansville, Indiana.
Ed was married for 50 years to the love of his life, Nora Jennings Willoughby. Ask anyone and his greatest pride was his son Edward Dale Willoughby, Jr He was known as “Daddy Bill” to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
His siblings fondly called him “Bill-Boy”. He was always ready to listen and join the fun at family gatherings. Ed loved people, he never met a stranger, always smiling, joking and entertaining everyone with his stories.
He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, family bar-b-ques, and spending time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always willing to help others and offer his assistance. He was known for his hospitality and truly enjoyed the opportunity to gather with friends and family.
He looked forward to time spent with his coffee cronies and sharing time with friends and acquaintances at the Health Park. He is preceded in death by his sisters; Reva Lee Whitaker Schnider and Janiuce Carol Willoughby Corum, brothers: Jerry Grafton Willoughby, Terry Eugene Willoughby, and Don Larry Willoughby. Survivors include his wife Nora Willoughby; his son, Edward Dale Willoughby, Jr. (Lori) of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky; step-children, Chuck Cooper (Linda) Brooksville, Florida, Yvonne Austin of Owensboro, Larry Cooper (Linda) Leesburg, Florida, and Debbie Rice (Jim) of Owensboro; his sister, Rebecca Jane Willoughby Thomas; and brother, Phillip Wayne Willoughby; grandchildren, Mason Willoughby of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Isabella Willoughby of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky , Chuck Austin (Stephanie) of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Kim Howard of Owensboro, John Austin (Ruth Ann) of Owensboro, Ed Rhinerson of Utica, Kentucky, Tom Rhinerson (Teresa) of Owensboro, Jim Rice (Brandy) of Rumsey, Kentucky, Dana Evans (Floyd) of Owensboro, Crystal Perkins (Chad) of Owensboro, Tammy Sparks of Greenville, Kentucky, Jeff Cooper (Melanie) of Kennesaw, Georgia, James Cooper (Abbey) of Denver, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Tyler Austin (Ashley) of Mountain Home Air Force Base Idaho, Mackenzie Durr (Chris), Meghan Drennan (Chris), Cooper Howard, Tucker Austin, Kayla Austin, Alex Austin, Cambron Austin, Triston Rhinerson , Morleigh Rhinerson, Sebastian Rhinerson , Lea Rhinerson, Logan Rhinerson, Laryssa Rhinerson, Warren Rhinerson, Ashby Rice, Sydney Rice, Hadley Rice, Madison Miller, Kashlynn Rice, Ayden Rice, Alexis Evans, Floyd Evans (Tori), Carter Rice (Rachel) of Owensboro, Sumer Perkins, Madison Cooper, Julia Cooper, Jameson Cooper, Olivia Cooper, Ainsley Cooper, Kayleigh Bowlds-Polston, Morgan Cecil; great-great grandchildren, Kaydence Austin, Caleb Austin, Dawsyn Drennan, Wyatt Rice, Ronin Hartford Baes, and Sophia Kathryn Durr (highly anticipated arrival in March).
James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory of Owensboro, Kentucky will be in charge of funeral services. Visitation will be on Friday, November 23, 2018 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, November 24, 2018 from 11 to 3 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate Ed’s life will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Please join the family to share in our love and memories.
The family requests that anyone wanting to make a donation in his memory please donate to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 110 Conn Ter, Lexington, KY 40508.
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