Earl A. Willoughby, Jr.

Earl A. Willoughby, Jr., 100, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022. The relatives and friends of Earl A. Willoughby, Jr. are invited to attend a Gathering of Friends between 5:00 and 8:00 PM Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, 201 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC. Military Honors will be rendered at 7:00 PM.

Earl was born September 19, 1921, in Cleveland, Ohio to Earl Willoughby and Jessie Conley Willoughby. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on April 14,1941 in Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 20. Earl flew the B-26, known as the “Martin Marauder”. He was a member of the 432nd Bombardment Squadron and rose to the rank of Captain. Earl and his crew flew over 71 missions in Southern Italy and Northern Africa. The 42nd Bombardment wing was cited by General de Gaulle, President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic and chief of the Armies, by order Number 44 of the French Air Force, with the “Croix de Guerre avec Palme” for its outstanding part in the preparation and support of the Allied offensive in Italy. Beginning on May 11, 1944, they attacked and destroyed many of the most important objectives in support of the French Army, despite intense, heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire.

Earl was a loving Father, Grandfather and friend to all. He graduated from Fenn College in Cleveland, Ohio and was a sports enthusiast, especially the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He participated in the game of Golf; even though he struggled, he truly loved the game. Earl loved to design-build furniture in his spare time, which he had plenty of, living almost to the age of 101.

Earl is survived by sons James Allen Willoughby of Gypsum, Colorado, and John Murray Willoughby of Mt. Pleasant, SC; daughter Nora Anne Innis of Awendaw, SC; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his loving wife Mary Jeanne Willoughby and daughter Mary Susan Szmyt.

In Lieu of Flowers, we ask you to send gifts to the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children Advocacy Center at www.deenortoncenter.org/donate .

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, 1620 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407. (843) 766-1365.