RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Willis Lee Wightman, age 78, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, October 24, 2016, in Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on August 19, 1938, in Cooperstown, son of the late Leo and Vera Rose-Wightman. Willis was raised on the family farm in Schuyler Lake. His education began in Schuyler Lake School and he was a graduate of Richfield Springs High School. He proudly served with the US Army National Guard. On July 9, 1960 he was united in marriage with Eleanor L. Chase in the Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church. For the past twenty-three years they made their home in Richfield Springs. He retired in 2000 as a NYS certified welder for Mohawk Metals of Frankfort, NY. Willis had a strong faith in God and was a member of the Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee and Steward. In his youth his passion was working on and racing stock Cars. In 2012 he was inducted into the Midstate Antique Stock Car Associations Hall of Fame. To those who knew him, he will always be remembered as a loving, helpful and cheerful man. He was always ready to lend a hand while looking for nothing in return. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family, especially his cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by many. Surviving him are his devoted wife of fifty-six years Eleanor, four sons, Russell of Chadwicks, Craig and his wife Robin of Schuyler Lake, Curtis of Richfield Springs, Steve of South Sutton, NH, a daughter, Tammy Dennis of Richfield Springs, two sisters, Shirley Spraker and her husband Donald of Sauquoit, Beverly VanWinkler of St. Johnsville, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours for Mr. Wightman will be on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street; Richfield Springs. Funeral service will take place on Saturday at 11:00 am in the funeral home with the Reverend Sharon Rankins-Burd, Pastor of the Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church officiating. Service will be followed by Internment in Schuyler Lake Cemetery and a gathering at the Richfield Springs Veterans Club from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, Care of Richfield Springs Lions Club. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Calling Hours J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Friday, October 28, 2016 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439 Funeral Service J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Saturday, October 29, 2016 11:00 AM 40 West James Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439