At 2:03 am, on September 1, 2025, the good Lord in His infinite wisdom, called Dad to his eternal home. He was born October 14, 1960, to AL and Dollie (Rye) Wilhite of Rye Hill. He was the baby of five children.
Throughout his school years he helped raised animals on the family farm and was involved in his schools Ag program where he won many awards and trophies for his cattle. Rick spent most of his life working as a fabricator building duct systems for heating and air companies. Upon retirement, he found himself back on a farm working as a ranch hand where he could enjoy animals once again.
His love for animals led him into a hobby of operating a successful dog kennel where he raised several varieties of dogs, with his focus being on English Bulldogs. It made sense after all that he loved bulldogs since his alma mater was in fact the Greenwood Bulldogs. He had a love for Arkansas Razorbacks, St Louis Cardinals, and attending the dirt track races to cheer on his favorite driver, H Wayne Palmer.
He was a faithful man of God who loved being in the house of the Lord. His love for the Lord and his passion for praise and worship music presented opportunity to be involved with church worship teams. He had the honor of being a part of a local southern gospel group named the Gospel Tones and proudly made beautiful music for the Lord with his bass guitar, and backup vocals. In his later years he continued his fragrance of worship from the congregation of Muldrow First Assembly where he was faithful to attend until the end.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Dollie Wilhite, sister in-law, Janie Smoot Wilhite, and his brother in-law, Loyd Walker.
He is survived by his children; Jonathon Wilhite and wife Lacy; Aaron Wilhite; Samantha Kiger and fiancé TJ Holt. 21 Grandchildren including Samuel Wilhite; Halle Wilhite; Laelyn Wilhite; Braylee Fischer; Miranda Palmer and husband H Wayne; Hailey Geren and husband Bobby; Mya Jones and husband Jared; Madison Merrill; Alec Villines; Gabe Hunt; Rhett Dorey; and Stormy Dorey. 10 Great Grandchildren including Havyn and Hudsyn Palmer; and Kade Geren, his brother Allen Wilhite, his sisters Jean Floyd and husband Art, Linda Izell and husband Pat, and Mildred Walker, along with several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He loved his family and children, but he especially loved his grandbabies and was always known as “Papa Rick.”
The Celebration of Life Services for Rick will be held 10am – Friday September 5, 2025, at Muldrow First Assembly of God Church, 203 W Sequoyah Street Muldrow, Oklahoma with Pastor Shawn Money officiating and burial to follow at Steep Hill Cemetery. The Family of Rick Wilhite will greet friends from 5pm- 7pm on Thursday, September 4 at the Muldrow First Assembly of God Church 203 W Sequoyah Street Muldrow, Oklahoma. Casket bearers will be Jonathon Wilhite, Samuel Wilhite, Aaron Wilhite, Patrick Izell, Jimmy David Plummer, and Rhett Dorey.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
“Through Love, Serve One Another”
The Family of Rick Wilhite has entrusted his arrangements to Holt Funeral & Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s Only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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