Allen Sherrod Cutts Willingham

Allen Willingham of Appling, GA passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024, just shy of his 72nd birthday. A soft-spoken gentleman, scholar, and friend, Allen was born in Augusta, GA, the second of five children to Allen Sherrod Cutts Willingham and Julian Bartow Willingham. Raised in a nurturing, intellectually rich household, Allen grew up surrounded by lively conversation and debate. 

Allen’s family shared a special connection to Stufield, a property his father bought in McCormick County, SC. Stufield became a family retreat, where memories were made walking through woods, working the land, training dogs, hunting, bonfires, meals, and laughter that echoed across generations. This place and its magic remained a constant in Allen’s life.

Allen graduated cum laude from Washington and Lee University in 1974 with a degree in English literature. After living at Stufield for a year, he went to the University of Georgia Law School, graduating in 1979 having been editor of Law Review and a member of Order of the Coif. Allen’s friends from college and law school days remained lifelong companions.

Allen had over 30 years of experience in litigation and the trial of complex cases. After 9 years at Powell Goldstein in Atlanta where he became partner, he founded Love and Willingham in 1988 with 3 other lawyers. As managing partner, he helped grow the firm into a prominent boutique litigation practice in Atlanta. During the next 19 years his cases included defense of propane distributors, Michelin Tire Corp, RICO and many health-related products. From 2007-2012 he was a partner with Troutman Sanders representing one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. 

Allen married Susan Holloway Shoulders from Nashville, TN in 1988. Their 3 children, Kate, Harrison, and George became his deepest source of pride. Fatherhood inspired him to quit smoking and embark on a deep journey of faith. He converted to Catholicism, drawn especially to the writings of G.K. Chesterton. A well-worn copy of Orthodoxy was always at hand to share with others.

He was a voracious reader with an enduring love for history, philosophy, religion, and economics. Friends and family knew him as a thoughtful conversationalist who brought ideas to life with gentle wisdom, often slipping in poetry recitations and memorable quotes, with a healthy dose of humor.

His passions included sailing, pheasant hunting in South Dakota, fly fishing, skiing, annual beach trips with extended family, and dogs and Stufield. Though he never completed the novel he had imagined, he enjoyed trying his hand at writing, painting, and sculpting. 

After semi retiring in 2012, Allen became a regular at the YMCA, where he built strength and friendships alike. In 2015, he ran two half-marathons before being diagnosed with colon cancer. After a rigorous battle in 2016, he was able to return to his favorite outdoor activities. In 2021, he and Susan relocated to Appling, GA, seeking a quieter country life near Stufield. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s and dementia began to take hold in recent years, and a move to skilled nursing care in October 2024 marked a challenging transition. Allen passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Harrison Willingham. He is survived by his wife, Susan Willingham; his daughter Kate (Sam) Shew of Louisville, CO; his son George Willingham of Falls Church, VA; his grandson, Elliott Allen Shew; and his siblings Bartow (Sheri) Willingham of Melbourne, FL; Mary (Myron) Wettrich of Naples, FL; Pam (Jeff) Harrison of Augusta, GA; and Bet Willingham (Rick Ellsbury) of Kensington, MD. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as countless friends who were touched by his kindness and wisdom.

In Allen’s memory, the family invites donations to Heads Up for Harry (headsupforharry.org), a nonprofit supporting youth mental health. This organization holds a special place in Allen’s heart as it was founded in memory of his son Harrison, who died by suicide in 2014.

A book, a glass of bourbon, and a good conversation by a fire —Allen’s favorite way to spend an evening. His legacy of love, intellect, and kindness will be cherished by all who knew him.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on November 30 in the chapel at St. Teresa of Avila in Grovetown, GA followed by a celebration of Allen’s life in Appling