Tony (Tom) Willoughby, age 79, of Powell, TN went to walk with the Lord on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019 while being held in the arms of his loving wife Dianne Willoughby. Tony was born in Middlesboro, KY on November 24, 1939. He was raised in LaFollette and was a graduate of the LaFollette High School class of ’57.
Upon graduation he enlisted in the Air Force where he studied to be a lab technician and rose to the rank of Sergeant. After leaving the service he began a leadership career where he touched many people both as a friend and a mentor. His professional career culminated with 32 years of service to the people at Plasma Alliance.
Tony was a man of character in actions; not of idle speak. He gave his life to the Lord on May 13th, 1984 and began his pursuit of walking his faith. “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of Lord,” Colossians 1:10.
His walk was one of kindness, generosity, hard work, honest relationships, deep faith and humility. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Elizabeth Willoughby; his brother, Sam Willoughby and sister, Elizabeth Ann Willoughby. He is survived by wife, Dianne Willoughby of Powell; daughter, Shelia Smith of Corbin, KY.
; son, Tony Willoughby and wife Jennifer of McKinney, TX. ; step son, Rodney Atkins and wife Rose; brother, Jerry Willoughby and wife Mary of Jacksboro, TN. and 10 grandchildren: Brandon Knight and wife Laura, Justin Sparkman and wife Danita, Andrew Willoughby, Jackson Willoughby, Davis Willoughby, Harley Smith, Levi Smith, Summer Grey, Elijah Atkins and Ryder Atkins.
He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. The family is humbled and thankful for all that have helped provide care for him over the last few years of his journey. Special thank you to Julia Campbell as well as the Hospice team at UT Medical Center.
If moved to do something in memory of Tony we would be honored for donations to be made to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, PO Box 188 Greeneville, TN 37744. Services will be provided by Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home at 2300 West Adair Drive in Knoxville. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm on Sunday January 6th followed by funeral services at 7:00 pm.
The service will be led by Pastor Willis Shankles with music provided by Tommy Spencer. Family and friends will meet at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home at 11:00 am on Monday, January 7th and will proceed in a procession at 11:30 am to Woodlawn Cemetery for a 12 Noon interment service. Full Military Honors by USAF and East Tennessee Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Knight, Justin Sparkman, Andrew Willoughby, Jackson Willoughby, Davis Willoughby, Adam Willoughby, Brian Hicks, Mike Peevy and Joe Noel. Condolences may be offered at www.
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