of Conway, AR
May 24, 1948 - July 10, 2020
Rev. Dr. Guy Marvin Whitney, Jr., died at home in Conway, Arkansas, surrounded by family on July 10, 2020, at the age of 72, from complications due to Alzheimer's. He was born May 24, 1948, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to the late Baptist minister Guy Marvin Whitney, Sr., and the late English teacher Willie Velma (Caery) Whitney, who taught him to quote Bible verses and Shakespeare.
Growing up in the Baptist Church, Guy responded to an altar call when he was 11 and preached his first sermon at age 12. In 1966, he graduated from Paragould High School, where he lettered in three sports. While earning degrees in religion and English from Ouachita Baptist University (1966-19670), he became ordained in 1967 and served two new churches, Scranton Baptist Chapel (1966-68) and Broadmore Baptist Church in Brinkley (1968-1970). He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, and graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, earning a Master of Divinity degree with an emphasis in pastoral care and counseling. During seminary, he served as pastor of Pigeon Fork Baptist Church in Waddy, KY, in 1974-75. He also served Remount Baptist Church in North Little Rock (1975-76). In 1996, he received a Doctorate of Ministry with an emphasis in worship and communion from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Guy served as a chaplain in the Arkansas Department of Corrections (1977-79) at the Cummins Unit in Grady and the Women's Unit in Pine Bluff. He also was director of the Therapeutic Community at the Tucker Unit.
In 1979, Guy joined the First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock, where Rev. Dr. Ben Jordan was pastor. Ben became Guy's mentor as he worked to become ordained in the United Methodist Church, and Guy and his wife, Loretta, remained dear friends thereafter with Ben and his wife, Marie.
Guy was appointed as associate pastor of FUMC North Little Rock in 1980, and he and Loretta were the first couple to be married in the sanctuary of the church (prior to its completion) on February 16, 1980. He spent the rest of his career serving the United Methodist Church, with appointments at Nettleton United Methodist Church (Jonesboro) 1981-84, St. Johns United Methodist Church and Heritage United Methodist Church (Van Buren) 1984-90, First United Methodist Church (Bentonville) 1990-96, First United Methodist Church (Searcy) 1996-98, and St. James United Methodist Church (Little Rock) 2000-04. He also served the Office of the Bishop of the Arkansas Conference as Director of Congregational Development 1998-2000 and as South Central District Superintendent 2004-07. He ended his career in the United Methodist Church where he began it, at FUMC North Little Rock 2007-10.
Warm, gregarious, exuberant, and larger-than-life, Guy loved many things, but none more than his wife, Loretta. In his wallet he kept the receipt from the Holiday Inn in Russellville, where they stayed on their wedding night. They spent their honeymoon at Devils Den, and they repeated the trip each year on their anniversary.
Besides his wife and children, his other great love was serving the church. A gifted storyteller with a rich and resounding voice, he inspired many while preaching the gospel, and his voice could always be heard above everyone (even the choir) during hymns. He always wanted to help people. He gave money to anyone who asked. He was always happy to make hospital visits, respond to middle-of-the-night phone calls, officiate at weddings and funerals, and attend all the meetings. Some of his favorite things about being a minister were going to a good potluck (with a bucket of KFC), serving communion, and baptizing babies. A true baby whisperer, he could calm a colicky infant, and he especially enjoyed walking down the center aisle of the church with a newly baptized baby to show it off to the congregation.
Enthusiasm, joy, and goodness infused his whole life. He loved basketball, the Razorbacks, BBQ, Karo syrup, big gatherings with lots of home cooking, taking pictures of the food, a nice shave, a haircut, fresh clean undershirts, brushing his kids and grandkids hair (and making tight ponytails), mixed nuts and fresh fruit, eating cereal out of a big mixing bowl, reading books by everyone from Joseph Campbell to Louis L�Amour, visiting out of town churches of different denominations, taking a nap (preferably in a recliner), traveling to other countries, watching movies (especially Hoosiers, Cool Hand Luke and Jeremiah Johnson), letting the kids win at ping-pong -" but never at Monopoly (''I am the Landlord!'')-" and occasionally buying new workout clothes, joining a fancy gym, and then going once and only once.
Guy was survived by his family, including his deeply devoted, loving, and beloved wife of 40 years, Loretta Wilkerson Whitney; his five children, Mandy Hull and her partner Dennis Teplinski of Little Rock, Michele Lemon and her husband Jim Lemon of Conway, J.J. Whitney and her husband Kaleb Barrett of Bentonville, Guy M. Whitney III of New York City, and Katie Whitney and her husband Lew Okun of Ann Arbor; his six grandchildren, Claire Hyatt, Weston Barger, Stephanie Barger, Jack Derden, Charlie Barrett, and Zuzu Whitney; his four grandchildren by marriage, Jayme Lemon, Jordan Lemon, Robert Okun, and Benjamin Okun; his brother, Marv Whitney and his wife Jennifer Denkmann; his sister, Judith (Whitney) Pohlod and her husband Michael; his niece, Jane Emily Hubbs; his nephew, Reed Whitney; his aunts, Ora Lee (Caery) Castleman and Trudy (Caery) Hatcher and her husband Tommy; his uncle, Jerry Caery and his wife Frances; and many beloved cousins.
Guy's family would like to thank Deborah Piggee, Brittany Piggee, and Kindred Hospice for their compassionate kindness in helping Loretta care for him at the end of his life. They would also like to thank Guy's faithful friend, Bobby Bell, for coming to tell Guy some hilarious stories in his final hours.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is postponing the memorial service to a date TBD. For those wanting to remember Guy with a memorial gift, please consider the United Methodist Church and the Alzheimer's Association.
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40 Condolence(s)
Rick Skillen
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Deepest sympathies, Loretta. I only knew Guy & you through my sweet Susan & her stories of your friendship, love, care & concern for & to her. Because of those stories I came to love you because you loved my Susan. Grief is the pits but wonderful memories oft times makes it manageable. Please let me know when a memorial service is to be held. Peace!
Shannon Burckart
Sunday, October 4, 2020
I joined FUMC of Bentonville because of Rev. Whitney. He baptized me, married Bill and I, 26 loving years, and baptized our daughter Pressly.
He was a loving, kind soul and made the world a better place. I thought of him often, remembering so many tips he gave at marriage counseling and now I pray for his wife, Loretta, his children and close friends.
In loving memory, The Burckarts, Bill and Shannon
Everett martindale
Friday, September 25, 2020
I knew Guy as college roommate (6 in one bedroom duplex at Ouachita)', basket ball at midnight in the girls gym (it wasn't locked) and after basketball swimming in pool (attached to gym), throwing darts from the street across the sidewalk, thru the front door, thru living room and sometimes into the dart board (yes, Whitney's idea), agreeing with Guy's idea to not refuse any request for change at the BSU and then having Guy come straight to me the next morning at BSU and ask me for 4 dollars,going to the beach spring break about 1969 (headed to Daytona but stopped at Pensacola because there were thousands of college kids),sleeping on the beach, demanding that Guy take a midnight shower because he smelled like some lotion he put all over himself for sunburn, ( no hot water in the free shower), detour thru New Orleans on way back ( 4 of us in Chism's VW big ( we put $20 in glove compartment when leaving for Bourbon street so we would have gas to get home, carving our initials on big tree, and more and more. Many, many Whitney stories. A smart, funny, thoughtful, happy, original, honest, great friend.
Sissy Goggin Miller
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Loretta, I am so sorry to hear about Guy. I'm happy that Jim and I had a chance to meet him and see and talk with you both when y'all were in town for the Fall Festival several years back.
Love is a many splendor thing and from the obituary it is very clear and strong that you had such love.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this difficult time. Memories are so special and I know You are going to be fine.
Love, Sissy
Rev Edna Morgan
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Dear JJ and Family.
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's transition from this life to the great cloud of witnesses. Please know that I am praying for all of you during your time of deep grief. God bless and comfort you along with the support from your UMC family. We love you.
Jon & Victoria Caery & the girls
Saturday, July 18, 2020
So sorry to see our cousin pass. Such a great man, friend & relative to us. Will always remember the good times.
Markham and Gayle Howe
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Guy was indeed a dear friend to our entire family. When he was at Nettleton UMC (where we got married) he faithfully looked after Gayle's parents. When he was at St. James UMC he faithfully looked after me while I went through West Nile virus. We were friends for life and look forward to reuniting in heaven.
Peace be to Loretta and the family.
Jeanette Ashley
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Loretta, your husband (and you) led a very interesting life. It is very encouraging to read how devoted he was to the Lord and His church.
You have my sympathy and are in my prayers.
Jeanette (Burney) Ashley
HEATHER R HAYDEN
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Sad day to hear of his passing. One of my favorites for sure! You will be greatly missed.
Rev Mary N Jones
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
What a beautiful obituary story, shared, it sounds, with great joy, amazing memories and deep grief for living his life so beautifully, 'so well done' the universe would say, and all creation would say, 'Dr Rev Guy touched some many lives, and leaves each of those lives with a 'piece of eternity, and Amen!'
Thank you all for sharing such an intimate obituary. Rev Mary
Velma F Clemons
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Guy was a great pastor and a dear friend. When ever he saw me he would tell me, "This too shall pass." That is a Scripture
statement I told him. Our God blessed many persons with his
rambuncious personality. I Praise the Lord for all of Guy's life.
We have celebrated communion at every service for years thanks to Guy's doctoral theses. We will get to see him once again in the Hereafter.
Karl & Melissa Kohler
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Rev. Whitney performed our marriage ceremony 17 years ago. He gave us wise counseling beforehand, that we have always cherished. I can still hear his benediction "You have been carried all the day long even until now. And you are being redeemed". His work here is done, but his words and counsel live on.
Rev. Dr. Shirley White Souder
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
My deepest sympathy and condolences for the family . I am praying for strength to heal and stand in this much needed time of bereavement.
Mark Ellis
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Bro Guy was a pastor that knew how to get things done. When approached about starting a contemporary service at Searcy FUMC Guy looked at those gathered in his office and told us that his doctorate was in traditional worship but if we felt strongly about starting a contemporary worship service we would have his full and complete support. I loved his ability to accept change if it served the work of our Lord! A Pastor that could make the hard decisions.
Bo Plyler
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Loretta & family,
Our prayers for peace and comfort are with you. Guy was a great pastor and leader for us during his tenure at St. James.
Debbie & Bo Plyler
Rae-Lene Wolf (member of NLR FUMC)
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Dearest Loretta and Family...
Prayers for Grief and Loss to be replaced with the joy of having such a wonderful husband, father, uncle, friend and pastor in all of our lives.
Blessings that you will continue to have that wonderful song in your heart and voice as both of you still sing through your memories.
Songfully,
Rae
Sara Brackman
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Dear JJ, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry to read of your father's death. I can tell by his obituary that he was a fine man.
Sincerely, Sara Brackman
Harve Taylor
Monday, July 13, 2020
To Loretta and all the family, I just got word of Guy's passing a little earlier this evening. What a special person and pastor he truly was!
Yes, we have suffered a great loss but what a blessing he was to so many in so many ways! What a blessing to have known him as a friend as well as a very special pastor, one whose impact I will always be thankful for! He was so special to me in so many ways. I feel so blessed to have known him. So glad that he can now experience that eternal life of peace that he so richly deserves! What a good life he lived; what a great servant he was!
Getting to know all of you while Guy served FUMC in Bentonville has always been very meaningful to me, also. So glad to learn that
J. J. is now serving there!
Just please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!
steve trolinger
Monday, July 13, 2020
Guy was such an inspiration in and out of the pulpit. He baptized my daughter in a way that we will always cherish in memory. His was a life truly well lived. We are thankful to God for his living.
Susan Garza
Monday, July 13, 2020
We joined the Methodist Church in Bentonville because if Guy Whitney! His sermons touched our hearts and minds!! Although he did leave soon after, we'll never forget how he taught and made us feel. Prayers for the family for the strength and comfort that only God can give.
Kim and David Hoffman
Monday, July 13, 2020
Loretta,
Please accept our deepest condolences on Guy's passing.
He was always so much fun to be around and will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Please know you have our prayers for comfort during this sad time.
Melanie Blacklock
Monday, July 13, 2020
I came to know Guy at St James UMC in Little Rock. He immediately endeared himself to my heart on his first sermon closing prayer. It was the same prayer that my favorite pastor as a youth used to say. It started with "Depart now, and as you go, remember that in the goodness of God you were born into this this world..." It made me cry when I heard it. If anyone has the text of the whole prayer, I'd appreciate it. I used to could remember it, but not anymore.,
His wife worked with my Mother, so we had that bond also. I still think he was super brave for having both knee replacements done at the same time!
I pray for Loretta, and his whole family. He will always have a special place in my heart. We love you Guy.
Brenda Crabtree Wyatt
Monday, July 13, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful minister at FUMC Bentonville.
Mary Catherine C McSpadden
Monday, July 13, 2020
Guy Whitney was a gift from God to all of us -- especially United Methodists of Arkansas. When he came to Oil Trough to preach a revival when I was pastor there, he visited shut-ins with me, had everyone thinking he had known them all their lives, and brought the Word of God into that sanctuary each night. I loved his spirit, his open heart, his gentle kindness, and his deep commitment to his Lord. Prayers for all his family as you remember him and strive to live as he would want you to. May the Holy Spirit surround all of you with peace and hope as you learn to live without him.
Debbie and Mike Ross
Monday, July 13, 2020
He always kept my attention during his sermons! He gave such reassurance in the way he would say ''you ARE forgiven.'' His first Sunday at NLRFUMC (the last time he was there) was our first visit there and also the day we joined the church there. We were blessed to know him and Loretta. My prayers for comfort are with the family.
Jp Hunt
Monday, July 13, 2020
Prayers to the family. What a great man who helped so many. Let this be a time of rejoicing as he has been made new again. With Love, Jp
Melissa Hill Taylor
Monday, July 13, 2020
Prayers and condolences. Beloved Pastor of Heritage UMC
Karen Sullards
Monday, July 13, 2020
My parents were members of the 1st UMC in Search. They thought highly of Bro. Guy - so sorry for your loss.
Bart Trickey
Monday, July 13, 2020
So very sorry for your loss, but what an amazing testament to a wonderful man!
Charlie McAdoo
Monday, July 13, 2020
Guy and his whole family were our friends. Loretta and Guy along with my wife Gloria have stories. Stories of food ,fellowship and fun powered us to know our friendship was as real as it gets. Guy was a giver. Period. Love the Whitney family.
Joetta Duke
Monday, July 13, 2020
Loretta and family, we are all shocked and saddened to hear of Guys' passing. Shannon and family are with us and loved that he performed their wedding, as well as my Dads' funeral. A loved man with so many wonderful memories. Please know that we hope you find smiles in your memories, strength through your family and peace through your faith. Please know that we all share in your loss. Love, Joetta and Dick Duke and family.
Glenda Berry
Monday, July 13, 2020
Loretta and family, I've never been really good at finding the right words during times like these. Things that come to my mind the most; 1) you and Guy's love story - The love and respect you had for each other always showed itself to me. I remember when the diagnosis of Alzheimer's came up. You were absolutely determined to keep him at home. And you did more than what I considered humanly possible. 2) His pride and love for his family . I always enjoyed hearing the stories about what age the kids got alarm clocks, learned to do their own laundry, read books on vacation, etc. I just envisioned what that household looked like sometimes. Both parents working full time, five children, and church and education top priorities. You have to smile when you envision it. 3) Guy's example of what a religious leader should be. He had a sense of humor, he was very smart and well read and he lived and breathed what he preached. I know how much you will miss him. It breaks my heart. However, I know you will take comfort in knowing he is whole again and enjoying his beautiful home in heaven. Love, Bob and Glenda
Jonnie Nix
Monday, July 13, 2020
You will be sorely missed, Guy. You were one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and I am honored that you were my friend. Heaven has gained a rock star. I think I can hear you laughing up there. Rest In Peace.
Paul Coy
Monday, July 13, 2020
Welcome home my friend... May God's peace comfort your family and friends.
Irene Gray
Monday, July 13, 2020
My condolences to Guy's family. I was in his congregation in Searcy.
Irene Gray
Bill and Beverly Frye
Monday, July 13, 2020
Prayers and condolences
Patrick Jackson & Gary Winans
Monday, July 13, 2020
We will miss Guy's good-hearted, welcoming smile. Thinking of you and the family.
Rhonda Keith
Monday, July 13, 2020
Guy Whitney...we will miss you but you leave many profound memories with us. Alan and I so enjoyed your time in Jonesboro. And you tied a good tight knot when you married us. We will remember you always.
Lorreta, I pray that God gives you comfort and peace. I questioned your decision to marry Guy because he was an unemployed preacher and you had known him for such a short time. Forty years later I can see you made the right decision! Alan and I loved Guy. Guy was the first man I had ever seen Alan hug. Our prayers are with you during this awful time. We love you always.
Diana and Steven Peer
Monday, July 13, 2020
We loved Guy as our pastor, mentor and dear friend and neighbor. We love your family! Please feel our prayers lifted to God for His amazing grace to enfold you.
Chris Bounds
Monday, July 13, 2020
My heart breaks to hear this news. The years I spent as Guy's associate pastor in Searcy, Arkansas were some of the best years of my ministry. Guy baptized our son Morgan and he was always a source of wisdom and grace. He and Loretta are cherished in our family. We thank the Lord that death does not have the last word over his life. Love, Chris and Tamara Bounds