William Calvin "Skip" Whitwell

William Calvin "Skip" Whitwell, age 85, of Montalba, Texas passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, September 21, 2025, surrounded by his family. Skip was born in Crane, Texas on January 20, 1940, to parents Elijah Calvin Whitwell and Rocky Pearl Medlin Whitwell.

Skip dedicated over 40 years to serving his community as firefighter for the Palestine Fire Department. His commitment to safety and well-being of others was his highest priority. Even after his retirement, his passion for helping others did not stop, as he continued to serve with the Montalba Volunteer Fire Department until his health no longer permitted. Away from the firehouse, Skip was a master of carpentry.

He was an active member and deacon of Friendship Baptist Church in Montalba where he helped build the church. Skip's commitment to his church family and serving the Lord was a testament to his character, and his contributions to the church.

Skip's love for his family was like no other. He was always ready with a joke or a playful prank, especially for his grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable happiness. His love extended to the great outdoors, where he found peace while hunting, fishing, or tending to his garden.

He is preceded in death by his parents Elijah and Rocky Whitwell; wife Shirley Whitwell; daughter, Tammy Lorene Whitwell; son, Calvin Scott Whitwell; sisters, Naomi Powell and Floy Hawthorne; and brother, Gilvie Whitwell.

Skip leaves behind many memories to be cherished by his daughter, Susan Neel and husband Duane; sons, Doug Whitwell and wife Leslie, and Bruce Whitwell and wife Teresa. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Skip's presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever remain a part of the many lives he touched.

Funeral services to celebrate Skip's life are to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Friendship Baptist Church with Bro. Lynn Stroud and Bro. Edwin Bowman officiating the service. Interment with follow in Rock Church Cemetery in Montalba.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Friendship Baptist Church.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Andrew Armstrong, Steven Lawrence, Thomas Whitwell, Joshua Whitwell, Seth Bowman, and Ken Wilbanks. In honor of his service and the impact he had on so many lives, honorary pallbearers will include the brotherhood of firefighters from the department where he served with distinction.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials in memory of Skip Whitwell can be directed towards Friendship Baptist Church building fund, 7220 FM 860, Montalba, TX 75853 and Maine Stillwater Baptist Church plant.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Traditions Health staff and special caregivers Haley Pierce, RN and Charlotte Cook, RN for their loving and compassionate care.

We kindly request that you take a moment to express your condolences and share any cherished memories you may have by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon below. Your words of comfort will undoubtedly bring solace to his bereaved family.

Funeral services for William Calvin "Skip" Whitwell are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.