John Orville Whatley

John Orville Whatley was born on May 7, 1954 to the late Catherine and James "JD" Whatley in Stuttgart, Arkansas. He transitioned to his heavenly home, surrounded by loved ones, on June 1, 2023 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

He accepted Christ at an early age and growing up regularly attended church with his family. He was a simple man and a very hard worker. John was always more than willing to help anyone in need. His actions embodied the scripture, Acts 20:35, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” John was definitely a giver and never asked for anything in return. 

John enjoyed the outdoors and spending quality time with the people he loved, especially watching football games, old western tv shows and movies, and WWE with his bonus grandchildren Edward Barger and Caleb Imes. 

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Catherine Whatley and his sisters Leanna V. Pierce and Margaret McCarty. 

John leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 27 years, Cleta Whatley; his son Josh Whatley of Panama City Beach, FL; bonus children Tanya Ausburn (Arthur) of Griffithville, AR, Chris Cupples (Darlene) of Heber Springs, AR, Susan Page of Bauxite, AR, and Bradley Page (Shielah) of Stuttgart, AR; all of his cherished bonus grandchildren, as well as his brothers Ralph Pierce (Claudean) of Bellevue, NE and Robert  "Bobby" Whatley of Hiwasse, AR; sister Teresa Gossom (Leon) of Stuttgart, AR; special niece Charlene Barger of Fayetteville, AR; and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

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