Mac Kevin Willingham, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Leesburg, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family on April 15, 2025. He was 72 years old. Born on June 28, 1952, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Mac was the son of the late McClure Willingham and Louise Payne.

Growing up in Charles Town, West Virginia, Mac developed a lifelong passion for learning and went on to attend West Virginia University, which was especially notable as he was the first in his family to pursue higher education. It was there at WVU in Morgantown, in the serendipitous setting of a calculus class, that this rather mischievous engineering student met the love of his life, Carolyn. Their connection blossomed, leading to a devoted marriage and a beautiful family.

Mac was known for his cheerful spirit, silly demeanor, and his penchant for eye-rolling jokes, which he delivered with an infectious grin. He also had a deep and abiding love for music, with a remarkably eclectic taste that spanned genres from classical compositions to rock and opera, and even electronic music. Music was a constant presence in his life, filling road trips with enthusiastic singing, echoing through the house, and spontaneously erupting in song wherever he went. He often serenaded his beloved wife, Carolyn, and his knack for creating impromptu, silly songs brought joy and laughter to countless moments.

Professionally, Mac dedicated 34 years of his career as a civil engineer for Loudoun County and the Town of Leesburg, contributing his expertise and commitment to the community he called home. He also fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening his own gun shop, L&W, in downtown Leesburg.

Beyond his professional life, Mac was a supportive father who encouraged his children to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. He enthusiastically cheered on his children's interests - whether in history and foreign languages or lacrosse and swimming, always providing gentle support and mentorship.

To many in Leesburg in the 1990s and 2000s, Mac was practically the unofficial mayor. Growing up, his children knew that any outing would involve numerous friendly stops and conversations. Whether it was chatting with the staff at his favorite local restaurant or catching up with acquaintances at the post office, Mac had a genuine warmth and interest in people, along with a gift for storytelling, that made him a beloved figure throughout the town.

Mac also had a rich array of personal interests. He was an avid collector of board games, enthusiastically participating in tournaments across the state and sharing his love for strategy and friendly competition. His passion for history, particularly military history, was profound. He was an active member of the Harpers Ferry Civil War Round Table and even had the unique experience of appearing in a minor role in the major motion picture, Gettysburg.

Mac will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Carolyn Willingham, his loving children, Kelsey Willingham and Connor Willingham; and countless friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and genuine connection.

A memorial service to celebrate Mac's life will be held at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, Virginia on 23 April 2025 from 4:00PM-6:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Mac's memory to The Gettysburg Foundation , the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation , or a Tree be planted in his memory in Monongahela National Forest via A Living Tribute .

Mac's legacy of laughter, love, storytelling, and his ability to connect with everyone he met will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.