James O. (TooTop) Willett

James O. (TooTop) Willett, 82, of Hillsboro, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 21, 2011. It was TooTop's wishes to be cremated. A memorial service has not been planned at this time.

James was born to Johnny and Eula (Franks) Willett on June 22, 1928 in West, Texas, where he was raised most of his life. All of his family and friends came to know James O'dell as TooTop, a nickname given him by his older brother Earnest as a child.

On January 13, 1951, TooTop met the love of his life, Lula Sheffield and they were united in marriage a week later on January 21, 1951 in Hillsboro. TooTop enlisted in the U.S. Army but before he was able to serve his country he lost his left arm in a cotton gin accident. He spent many years as a successful traveling salesman in the Arlington Area before returning to the Hill Country Area to continue to raise his family. TooTop always enjoyed a good conversations and an even better game of dominoes.

TooTop was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Lula (Sheffield) Willett, in 2003; a brother, Earnest Willett; sisters, Helen Swindell, Gladys Fredrickson, and Marie McMarrow; an infant daughter, Carolyn, in 1955; infant great-granddaughter Angel Willett in 1999; infant great-grandson Justin Lee Baker in 2003.

He is survived by sons, James L. Willett and wife Darlene of Whitney; Doyle W. Willett and wife Colleen of Whitney; George E. Willett of Hillsboro; one daughter, Linda D. Garcia of McGregor; granddaughters, Kimberly Gossett and husband Rick of Austin, Rhonda Willett of Whitney, Joice Ochoa of Arlington, Joanie Hilty and husband Brian of Whitney, Maudie Gomez and husband Andy of Waco, Jennifer Ruiz and husband Scott of Whitney, Shanda Ayala and husband Moses of Austin, Lisa Baker of Waco, Michelle Fletcher of Killeen, Angie Bennett of Corsicana, Christine Willett of Longview; grandsons, Tony Willett and wife Mindy of Whitney, Casey Garcia and fiancée Whitney of Waco; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Providence Hospice Services, Park Plaza Nursing Home and their wonderful staff, Grace Gardens Funeral Home and Rusty Penny for all the long hours of dedication to making TooTop’s last days as wonderful as they could be for not only him but the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.