Noble Willingham, 72; Veteran Actor in Movies and TV

Noble Willingham, a character actor best known for his portrayal of barkeeper C.D. Parker on the long-running CBS television series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died. He was 72.

Willingham, who took a sabbatical from “Walker” for what proved to be an unsuccessful run for a congressional seat in Texas in 2000, died Saturday at his Palm Springs home, said Sandra L. Joseph, his manager. She said he died of natural causes.

Born in Mineola, Texas, Willingham worked as a roustabout and a steamfitter in the oil fields of his native state while pursuing his education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at North Texas State University and pursued a master’s degree in educational psychology at Baylor University. He later taught government and economics at a high school in Houston.

While teaching, a colleague suggested he audition for a small role in Peter Bogdanovich’s “The Last Picture Show.” He got the part and worked steadily over the next 30 years, appearing in a number of films, including “Paper Moon,” “Chinatown,” “City Slickers,” “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and “Up Close and Personal.” His 1987 portrayal in “Good Morning, Vietnam” of a general who was sympathetic to an unorthodox and irreverent disc jockey, played by Robin Williams, helped increase his visibility.

On television, he had a recurring role on Tim Allen’s show “Home Improvement” and on the “The Texas Wheelers,” another ABC series in the mid-1970s. He also turned up frequently in such TV shows as “L.A. Law,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “Quantum Leap.”

After losing his bid to unseat Democrat Max Dandlin for a congressional seat in east Texas, Willingham returned to acting. His last film appearance was in “Blind Horizon,” starring Val Kilmer and Sam Shepard. It is scheduled for release later this year.

Willingham is survived by his wife, Patti Ross Willingham; a son, John Ross McGlohen; two daughters, Stari Willingham and Meghan McGlohen; and a grandson.

Plans for a memorial service in Los Angeles are pending.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116 or Texas Special Olympics, 7715 Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 120, Austin, TX 78752.