Thomas Willoughby Obituary (1936 - 2025)

Thomas G. Willoughby passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025 at his home in Dahlonega, Georgia at the age of 88. Tom was born in McComb, Mississippi on November 18, 1936 to Garlon and Julia Mae Willoughby as their only child. He graduated from McComb High School and earned a degree in petroleum engineering from Louisiana State University in 1959. In 1968, Tom married Barbara Moore of White Castle, Louisiana. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage, raised two children, and became the proud grandparents of four grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Pop Tom.” He led a life of dedication to his family, and often said that marrying Barbara was the best decision he ever made. A man with a love for travel and a strong work ethic, Tom enjoyed a 35-year career as a petroleum engineer with Chevron, a role that took him to five continents and allowed him to serve as a leader on offshore drilling projects around the world, including operations in Angola, West Africa and the Hibernia Project in Newfoundland. Among colleagues, his amiability, high ethical standards, and thoughtful approach to complex problems earned him an excellent reputation as a respected leader and engineer. Integrity, humility, and commitment to equity in leadership were hallmarks of his career. After retiring, he and Barbara relocated from New Orleans to Dahlonega, Georgia, where they found a quieter life and enjoyed frequent trips to Destin, Florida. Known to family and friends for his kind spirit, generosity, sincerity, and warm smile, Tom had a wonderful ability to focus on the positive and to help others. He was a truly grateful man who appreciated life and found joy in seeing the good in people. He loved spending time with his family, and, in his free time, enjoyed playing golf, fishing in Destin, traveling, volunteering at The Community Helping Place, and rooting for the LSU Tigers. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years, Barbara Willoughby; son, Scott Willoughby and wife, Jeanette, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; daughter, Dawn Smith, of Canton, Georgia; and his grandchildren, Blaire Willoughby, Ella Willoughby, Brody Smith, and Carter Smith. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Garlon and Julia Mae Willoughby. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will take place on Friday, July 11 at Dahlonega Methodist Church, 107 S Park Street, Dahlonega, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. Following the service, all are invited to a reception at the home he shared with his wife. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Community Helping Place (communityhelpingplace.org, P.O. Box 712, Dahlonega, GA 30533) or to Dahlonega Methodist Church (dahmc.org/giving/).