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David Whitford Obituary
David passed away Aug. 21, 2024, at home following a long illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman Elmer and Jean Moser Whitford; and his brother Jonathon Whitford.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Karen Herline Whitford; son, Christopher David (Mary), grandchildren Brayden and Calleigh Whitford and step-grandchildren Elijah and Alex Graham, brother Steven (Laurie) Whitford of Spokane, WA, sisters Margaret (Bill) Teman of Seattle and Carol (Barry) Hotrum of Boise, ID. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
David grew up in Otis Orchards, WA and graduated from East Valley High School where he played football and Baseball, and participated in Band. He attended University of Puget Sound on a baseball scholarship where he earned his BS in Accounting. He attended Multnomah School of the Bible and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as a youth pastor in Lake City, FL and traveled selling to Christian Booksellers for Word Publishing. He loved selling, sales management and training. He moved to Little Rock, AR in 1988 to manage a copier dealership.
While he enjoyed his sales and management jobs, his favorite was managing the bookstore at Fellowship Bible Church Little Rock with a group of volunteers passionate about reading and helping others. He later managed sales of Men's Fraternity resources in the US and around the globe for Fellowship Associates.
He served a variety of ministries over the years but found the most joy in the children's ministry at Fellowship Bible Church Little Rock where he taught 3 year olds with his wife for several years.
He was a beloved brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather. He is remembered for his love of Jesus, his family, people, all things baseball, and his quick wit.
Our family would like to thank the health care teams from Care IV Home Health, Russellville, Arkansas Hospice Russellville and the dedicated loving care of Kristen Hardy and Darla Brown.
Celebration of David's life will be Oct. 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Russellville, AR in their Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Soaring Wings Ranch.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Whitford
5 Entries
John Stevens
March 20, 2025
I was sorry to hear of Dave´s passing. I met Dave at Multnomah School of the Bible in the 1972-73 school year. He was immediately a great friend.
Dan Swanson
November 8, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was an amazing godly man. He and I would periodically sing duets in church. He would introduces and then say "We've had many requests but we're still going to sing." Great sense of humor and amazing friend. So orry to hear about is loss, he will truly be missed.
Sarah Bowden
October 6, 2024
Karen, was sad to hear of David´s death. I have such fond memories of the years y´all served in the Learning Center. He loved those children so much. Enjoyed each year we served on staff together. Great memories of a man who loved to serve people and God. May God comfort you in your loss.
Milly kropp
September 20, 2024
Long time family friend
God Bless this family
Kristie Wilson Ainsworth
September 18, 2024
Hugs and condolences to Steve, Margie and Carol. I remember our years together at Greenacres Methodist Church - the laughter, fun and friendship - that David was a huge part of. I know he loved the Lord and is smiling with Jesus now.
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