Willie Jennings

Willie E. Jennings, age 80, of Nixa passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018. He was born July 22, 1937 in Sallisaw, OK to Sherman and Lottie (Tennison) Jennings. He married Teresa Young September 12, 1956. At age 7, Willie was taken out of public school to pick cotton for the family. Willie was a truck driver for Associated Wholesale Grocers in Springfield for 21 years. After retiring he drove a school bus for Nixa Public Schools. He enjoyed teasing the kids and making them laugh. He never knew a stranger. He would ask everyone he met if they went to church and witnessed to people whenever he could. Willie's hobby was working, and he enjoyed gardening and working on cars with his son. He was a member of Ponce Pentecostal Church in Ponce De Leon and was a dedicated member. Willie is survived by his wife Teresa; Daughters Deanna Duke, her husband Rick of Conway, AR, Diana Phillips, her husband Tim of Waterford, CA, Janie Dean, her husband James of Pleasant Hope, Marsha Clark, of Jefferson City and Lisa Green, her husband Billy of Brighton; a son Randy Jennings, his wife Shelvie of Nixa; 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; four brothers; four sisters and many relatives and friends. Willie is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and one brother. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Ponce Pentecostal Church, Ponce De Leon. A visitation will be held in the church from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at McConnell-Bledsoe Cemetery, Nixa.