Jesse J. Willingham

On July 30, 1930, in Birmingham, Alabama, God blessed Jerry and Vera Willingham with a wonderful son, Jesse Junior Willingham. Jesse exchanged time for eternity on November 17, 2014 at the golden age of 84, in Monroe, Ohio.
At a very early age, his family decided to move to Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of 16, he moved to Detroit, Michigan to complete his education. He graduated high school in Detroit, Michigan and soon after graduating, he joined the Army to fight for the country he loved. During his time in the service, he served with honor and distinction and achieved the rank of First Sergeant E5 Willingham of the 25th Infantry Division. Jesse was awarded numerous medals during the Korean War, where he was wounded. For his courageous actions, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart amongst others. After serving, he then came home to Detroit, where he followed his dream and love for cars. He was employed with the Ford Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan and Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he later retired.
Following in his mother’s footsteps, he joined the Masonic Organization where he became a 33rd degree Mason. He also started his own Masonic chapter called the World Wide Free and Accepted Modern Mason. As a Mason, he became a leader in the community and a role model of many.
Jesse was Holy Ghost filled and baptized in the name of Jesus. He was an honorable, praying Man of God, full of vision, wisdom and power in the Holy Ghost. In 1960, with the calling of the Lord in his heart, he started a gospel group called the Royal Wings and then after started The Original Legendary Golden Aires of Cincinnati, Ohio. Shortly after forming the Golden Aires, he met George Russell and they became best friends and inseparable from the day they met. Known best for songs such as “When He Calls”, “He Won’t Deny Me”, and “Show Some Sign”, the Golden Aires traveled throughout the Midwest and South ministering to many for more than 40 years.
In 1979, he met the love of his life, Brenda Holland. In 1983, with the help of Brenda’s grandmother, they were united in Holy Matrimony and with their union, they were blessed with three children: Andre, Jessica and Kimberly. They were married 31 wonderful years, where they enjoyed the beauty of growing together.
He leaves to cherish: his wife, Brenda; his children, Cathy, Jesse, Vanita, Ethel Lynn, Andre (Diana), Jessica, Kimberly and Kevin, who preceded him in death; seven grandchildren, Andrea, Devin, Joseph, Andre Jr., Jayden, Ayana and Jeremiah; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who loved him dearly.