Thomas Elton Willett, 87, died January 20, 2022, surrounded by his eight devoted children. Mr. Willett was born February 26, 1934, near Fancy Farm, KY.
He leaves behind a legacy of eight children, also known as the Great 8; Linda Paluso (Kevan) of Murray, KY; Debbie Green of Bartlett, TN; David Willett of Bartlett, TN; Kathy Cunningham (Ron) of Nashville, TN; Stephen Willett (Laura) of Memphis, TN; Melissa Glaser (Patrick) of Bartlett, TN; Angela Levin (Nick) of Eads, TN; and Jessica Vicknair (Lindsey) of Southaven, MS. He was the proud Granddad of 17 beautiful grandchildren, one great-grandson, along with a grandson and great-grandson coming soon. He also leaves behind his brothers Leonard Willett of Mayfield, KY and Ken Willett (Denise) of Hoover, AL; his sisters Judy Johnson (Neil) of Johnston, IA; Mary Ann Voglewede (John) of Milton, DE; and Carol Speed (David) of Fancy Farm, KY.
Thomas Elton was preceded in death by his darling wife, Mary Ann, his parents Joseph Harold and Mary Eula Willett, sisters Marian and Jeanne Willett, and brother Lieutenant Colonel Father David Willett.
Mr. Willett dutifully served his country in two branches of the military, both the Air Force and the Army. He was stationed overseas during his time of service. After being honorably discharged, he was married in 1961 to his sweetheart, Mary Ann. They lovingly bickered over who was the sweetest for almost 60 years. While working full time and starting a family, he put himself through night school at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. After 40+ years of service with the U.S. government, he retired in 1995. He was a lifelong communicant of the Catholic Church and parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church in Bartlett for 51 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree Knight and involved with various charitable endeavors. He was also active in Scouting there with Troop and Pack 265 for over 40 years. He led scouts on 10 high adventure expeditions to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. After retirement, he stayed active with various part time jobs and served his parish community. He spent his free time riding his Harley Davidsons with family and friends, “living to ride and riding to live”. He looked forward to “getting his plow cleaned” playing cards nightly with two of his daughters/neighbors, Debbie and Melissa.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 24th at St. Ann in Bartlett, TN at 10:00 am with a funeral Mass following at 11:00 am. Visitation will also be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Fancy Farm, KY at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 25th followed by a graveside service at St. Jerome Cemetery in Fancy Farm, KY.
Those wanting to send flowers can contact:
Munford Funeral Home-Millington Chapel
7450 Raleigh Millington Road
Millington, TN 38053
-by 8am on 1/24
-send directly to the church after 8 am.
