Pvt. Daniel "Danny" Eugene Willoughby

January 14, 1947-September 4, 2023

Resident of San Jose, CA

Daniel Eugene Willoughby (76) passed from this life into his Savior Jesus Christ’s waiting arms on September 4, 2023, in Palo Alto, CA.

On January 14, 1947, Danny was born in Jackson, Tennessee to Clarence Oliver and Lois Ruth Willoughby. He spent his formative years in San Carlos, CA where he was eventually drafted into the Vietnam War in 1966. He valiantly served in combat with his “Wolfhound” brothers, in the 27th Infantry Regiment, Company C 2/27. For his heroic service, the U.S. Army awarded Danny the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and National Defense Service Medal.

After the War, Danny returned to the Bay Area, where his daughter, Yvonne, was born. In 1980, Danny and Wendy married and welcomed their son, Joel. Jesse and then James arrived a couple of years later. Danny delighted in his daughter and enjoyed sports and the outdoors with his sons.

Danny had a fulfilling career as a carpenter and then as a long-time steel cutter at Raychem/Tyco. Most importantly, Danny fulfilled his promise to God that if God got him out of Vietnam alive, he would serve Him. Danny served steadfastly at churches across the South Bay and eventually at Revival Tabernacle in Fremont, CA. Danny was quick to jump up and testify of God's goodness, followed by his signature shout of worship and dance. He endured his trials quietly, and his godly gentleness was known by all but most apparent by those often overlooked.

When the guarantee of good health was stripped from him, we saw the Christian that Danny had always strived to be—steadfast and faithful. While Danny may have not received ultimate healing of cancer, Danny obtained a good testimony through faith and joined the great cloud of witnesses. As it says in Hebrews 11, God "…provided something better for us, that [Danny] should not be
made perfect apart from us."

Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Oliver and Lois Ruth Willoughby.

Danny's honorable life will forever be cherished in the life of his wife, Wendy Willoughby; his children Yvonne (Robert) Ellefson, Joel (Angela) Willoughby, Jesse (Lynna) Willoughby, and James Willoughby; 8 grandchildren; a host of devoted nieces and nephews; his sisters Beverly Sams and Diane Saccapilltio; and his loving cousins Linda and Jeanette.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

James 1:12