John R. Willhite

Mr. Willhite was born on March 2, 1904 in Williamson County, Illinois to James Thomas and Martha Ellen (Harris) Willhite. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Joy Willhite of Johnston City; grandchildren, Stephen Willhite of Salem, Oregon and Mark and Julia Willhite of Cordova, Tennessee; great grandchild, Amanda Willhite of Cordova, Tennessee; sister, Mable Grisley of Marion; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lucille (Harris) Willhite in 1962; second wife, Zella May (Thomas) Willhite in 1992; third wife, Alma Lucille (Gossett) Colp-Willhite in 2001; and five brothers. Mr. Willhite was a member of the Third Baptist Church in Marion. He was a retired coal miner, retiring after 50 years from Old Ben 15 and Freeman 4. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.