Background
Willingham, Ben Hill was born on June 1, 1914 in Hagan, Georgia, United States. Son of Ben Kirby and Katrina (Shields) Willingham.
Willingham, Ben Hill was born on June 1, 1914 in Hagan, Georgia, United States. Son of Ben Kirby and Katrina (Shields) Willingham.
Student, Vanderbilt University.
Various positions to merchandise manager, General Shoe Corporation (became Genesco Inc. 1959), Nashville, 1933-1944;
branch manager, General Shoe Corporation (became Genesco Inc. 1959), Nashville, 1944-1948;
general sales manager, General Shoe Corporation (became Genesco Inc.
1959), Nashville, 1944-1948;
vice president sales department, General Shoe Corporation (became Genesco Inc. 1959), Nashville, 1950-1956;
corporation vice president, General Shoe Corporation (became Genesco Inc. 1959), Nashville, 1956-1958;
president, General Shoe Corporation (became Genesco Inc.
1959), Nashville, 1958-1969;
chief Executive officer, General Shoe Corporation (became Genesco Inc. 1959), Nashville, 1959-1969;
board directors, General Shoe Corporation (became Genesco Inc. 1959), Nashville, 1953-1969;
vice president corporation planned, Burlington Industries, New York City, 1969-1975;
president, Burlington International, Inc., New York City, 1970-1975.
Corporation counselor to companies in Europe and United States. Board directors 3d National Bank Nashville, S.H. Kresge & Company, Tiffany & Company. New York City.
Member advisory council, trustee Fashion Institute of Technology. Board directors Nashville Symphony Association, Tennessee Mental Health Association. Trustee United Givers Fund Nashville and Davidson Cunty, Foundation for Research in Human Behavior.
Steward, member board publications United Methodist Church. Member American Society Sales Executives, National Association Shoe Manufacturers (board directors), Newcomen Society North America, Belle Meade Country Club, Cumberland Club, Bluegrass Club, Exchange Club, Colemere Country Club, Economic Club, Fifth Avenue Club.
Married Dorothy Wells, February 17, 1936 (divorced 1969). Children: Ben Hill Junior, Susan Willingham Simons.