Ronnie Willhite Obituary, Death – On Thursday, January 19, 2023, Ronnie Willhite, who was 91 years old and from Fayetteville, passed away at home. He was the son of George Edward Willhite and Wilsie Beaver Willhite, and he was born on April 8th, 1931 in the town of Beaver, Arkansas. In Fayetteville, North Carolina, on November 27, 1971, Ronnie wed Shirley Ann Eaton. He had been a member of the Cross Church in Springdale for the previous quarter of a century. While working in his father’s handle manufacturing business, Ronnie realized the importance of perseverance and dedication to a task.
Before he enlisted in the United States Army, he worked as a builder of bridges and dams. After some time, he started his own lumber business. It was in 1980 when he and his wife decided to broaden the scope of their business to include pallet lumber. Willhite Forest Products, Inc. was a company that they co-owned and managed until the year 2002. Ronnie enjoyed the entire logging business, but his favorite part was coming up with new pieces of equipment. He put in a lot of effort, cherished his wife and children, and was well-liked by everyone he came in contact with. He enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life, telling stories, singing, riding four-wheelers, going boating, playing pool, and making the best lemonade. He also liked to sing.
His maternal grandparents, Debbie Eaton and Candace Willhite, and paternal grandparents, Bill Willhite, Vern Willhite, Bob Willhite, and Bud Willhite, all passed away before he was born. Surviving family members include his wife, Shirley Willhite, who cared for him at home; their son, Mark Willhite, who lives in Springdale; and six grandchildren, including Justin and Christian Eaton of Rogers and Jessica Eaton of Farmington.
Kimberly and Ken Blundell of Elkins, Kyle Eaton of St. Paul, Amanda Drummond and Tim Macks of Fayetteville, and Matthew and Lindsey Willhite of Elkins; 13 great-grandchildren; Cody, Isaac, Kaitlyn, Kaydra, Kinley, Gavin, Elli, Kylie, Kenzie, Jaxon, Karson, Gracyn, and Kelton; a nephew and his wife, Mark and Joanna Eaton of Springdale,
On Friday, January 27, the family will host a visitation at the Brashears Funeral Home beginning at 1:00 p.m., and the funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m., with John Baker serving as the officiant. The following individuals have volunteered to serve as pallbearers: Mark Willhite, Justin Eaton, Mark Eaton, John-Mark Eaton, Matthew Willhite, Kyle Eaton, and Steve Eaton. Pettigrew’s Boston Cemetery will be the location of the interment after the funeral ceremonies have concluded. Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory in Huntsville has been given the responsibility of making the necessary arrangements.