William L. Whigham

McDonough Chapel William Lee Whigham was born in Wadley, Georgia on April 13, 1922 to Lucious Whigham and Ida Whitfield Whigham, the seventh of fourteen children. He loved spending time with his brothers and sisters, James, Lucious Jr., Henry, Leola and Lee Arthur, Pierre, Mamie Lee, Isaiah and Isaac, CW, and Bertha. Twins ran in his family, and he later added a set of twins and triplets to the family’s legacy! Bill was raised on the family farm and developed a love for animals. He grew up picking cotton, and was known by his family as “Chocolate Drop.” He loved telling jokes, and his younger sister remembers him loving to tell people what to do! Bill wanted to leave Georgia, so his brothers and sisters saved money to help him move away, with plans for him to send for them when he was able. He fulfilled his promise and helped his mother, brothers and sisters to leave Georgia. He first moved to Florida, later Michigan, and permanently settled in California. Bill began his early education in Wadley. He later joined the United States Army, after which he obtained his GED. Once he arrived in California, he began with the Los Angeles Police Academy. He subsequently changed career paths after completing the academy. He then studied at Los Angeles City College. In 1953, while working at City of Angels Hospital, a beautiful lady named Alma Lee walked in to apply for a job. He was happy to help her secure a job there so that he could be close to her. The two began dating almost immediately and later married on April 18, 1953. She used to joke that he has been telling her what to do since they first met! Later that year, on September 27, 1954 a handsome baby boy was born, Stanley Tyrone. Three years later on January 7, 1957, the Whighams fulfilled the family transition by bringing a set of twins into the world, Lonnie Lee and Ronnie Lee. The family then moved to Littlerock, following in the steps of Alma’s sister Leila, and her husband Curt. On September 17, 1964, the family was blessed with a baby girl to spoil, Saundra Denise, and the Whigham household was finally complete! Bill was industrious and held several jobs throughout his life. He worked for a time at Lockheed-Martin and at Northrop. At one time, he owned a furniture store. He later drove buses for RTD in Los Angeles. He was hit by a car while helping a patron cross the street. He suffered several back and neck injuries, and doctors said he would never walk again. Bill was determined that he would walk, and he did! After he became disabled, he became self-employed first raising cattle, and general farming. He later opened a board and care home and cared for patients with disabilities. He continued that service until he was diagnosed with a heart condition and had to retire. Bill enjoyed rich friendships throughout his life and was particularly close to Robert Grant and Richard Gallow. He loved watching the Wendy Williams Show and Judge Judy. When the family would head to the casino, he would refuse to join them for years. But once he relented and went one time on his 70th birthday, he was hooked! He also enjoyed playing the lottery. Bill was known for giving sound advice and loved to give directions! Preceding him in death were his mother and father, all but one of his sisters, and his lovely wife, Alma. He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy: his three sons: Stanley (Karen) of El Dorado Hills, CA, Lonnie (Sheila) of Snellville, GA, and Ronnie (Sabrena) of Lancaster, CA; his daughter Saundra Whigham of Stockbridge, GA; twelve grandchildren: Jason (Jen) Whigham, Jermaine(Christina)Whigham, Janaye Whigham, Shemeia Whigham, Shemaria(Patrick) Cunningham, Ronnie(Andrea)Whigham, Cameron(Calina)Whigham, Ajarah Mitchell, Kendall(Davina)Whigham, Sapphire Whigham, Brandee(Tai) Bowie, and Shakira Whigham; seven great grandchildren: Samara Whigham, Ronnie Whigham III, Micah Davis, Jonah Whigham, Jada Whigham, Dayton Whigham, and Avah’Leona King; one sister, Bertha Whigham,; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

William L. Whigham

April 13, 1922 - January 13, 2018