Tommy Ray Willoughby

Services for Tommy Ray Willoughby, 86, of Longview, will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at 2 P.M. at the Gladewater North Loop Church of Christ with Mr. Murphy Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Memorial Park. Born on December 23, 1927, in Big Sandy, Texas, to John and Rachel Willoughby, he entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 6, 2014. He was a graduate of Big Sandy High School and a veteran of the United States Army, having served in post-war Japan. He later served in the United States Air Force. He was married to Norma Ella Peters of Robstown, Texas, on June 20, 1954, in San Antonio. They made their home in Gladewater for ten years before moving to Longview where he worked for some years at Sears. He retired in 1986 and enjoyed ranching at his farm in Gladewater and spending time with his grandchildren. Tommy served as a deacon and elder of the Gladewater North Loop Church of Christ for over thirty years and was president of the Sears Retirement Group. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Norma Willoughby of Longview; daughter, Linda Pike and her husband, Gene, and two grandsons, Jeremy and Justin Pike, all of White Oak; his son, Kyle Willoughby and grandson, Logan Willoughby of Whitehouse, one sister, Inez Willoughby Hall and her family, all of Dallas. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lou Dell Edwards and his brother, Jack Willoughby. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. If so desired, memorials may be made to your favorite church or charity.