David James Willoughby

David James Willoughby, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Flowood, Mississippi, at the age of 77.

Mr. Willoughby was born December 13, 1947, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to James E. Willoughby and Winifred Meier Willoughby Johnson. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout among the Boy Scouts and graduated from Anguilla High School in 1965. He then went on to attend Hinds Community College, where he met Joan Ogle, and the two were married on December 21, 1966. He was a Scottish Rite Freemason to the highest degree achievable.

In 1975, he earned a master’s in theology from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, and pursued his calling as a Methodist minister. As a member of the Mississippi United Methodist Conference, he served as pastor of numerous churches across the state, where he enjoyed having coffee with members of each congregation and getting to know church members. He was also very involved with Camp Wesley Pines, serving as director for several years. After retiring from active ministry, he was a member of Brandon First Methodist Church.

In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially loved to play innocent jokes on his grandchildren. He loved to make the people around him laugh and see them happy.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Willoughby, and his mother and stepfather, Winifred Meier Johnson and Victor J. Johnson, Jr.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Joan Willoughby; children, Elisa Jeana Doran (Dennis) of Scottsdale, AZ, Suzanne M. Wilsey of Hot Springs, AR, and Amy L. Radcliff of Florence, MS; siblings, Victor John Johnson, III of Boulder, CO, Diane Holland (Kurt) of Biloxi, MS, Erica Johnson (Dianne) of Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, Karin Johnson of Boulder, CO, and Kirk Johnson (Magen) of Monument, CO; grandchildren, David (Amanda), Alexandria (Jordon), Rachel (Eddie), Mikey (Taylar), Jamie (Amber), and Jordan; and great grandchildren, Michael-Vincent, Tristan, Maverick, Madison, Angelle, Muscadine, Brooke, Rosenee, Michael, and Brileigh.