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David WHITFORD Obituary

April 9, 1950 - August 21, 2024

(74)

Russelville - Born on Easter Sunday 1950, David passed away August 21, 2024, at home, following a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Elmer and Jean Moser Whitford, and his brother, John Whitford.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Karen Herline Whitford; son, Christopher David (Mary); grandchildren, Brayden and Calleigh Whitford; step-grandchildren, Elijah and Alex Graham; brother, Steve (Laurie) Whitford of Spokane, WA; sisters, Margie (Bill) Teman of Seattle, WA, and Carol (Barry) Hotrum of Boise, ID. David loved being around his numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, especially at the family reunions.

David grew up in Otis Orchards, WA, and graduated from East Valley High School in 1968, where he ran cross country, played football and baseball, and played trumpet in the band. He attended University of Puget Sound on a baseball scholarship, where he earned his BS in Accounting before attending Multnomah School of the Bible and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as a youth pastor in Lake City, FL, and represented Word Publishing, selling books to Christian Booksellers. David loved selling, sales management, and training. He moved to Little Rock, AR, in 1988 to manage a copier dealership.

David enjoyed sales and management, but his favorite job 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.

David 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 son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather. He is remembered for his love of Jesus, his family, people, all things baseball, and his quick wit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Soaring Wings Ranch.

www.soaringwingsar.com/donate

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Sep. 18, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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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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