Robert Foutch Wilhite, age 89, of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, July 27th, 2021, after an extended illness. He was born in Cookeville, TN, on October 5th, 1931, the son of E. Nonda and Mattie Foutch Wilhite. His siblings preceded him in death: brother Tom Wilhite, and sisters Gaye Wilhite Tabor and Mildred Wilhite Stinson Jackson.
At the age of nine, Bob professed faith in Jesus as his savior and that became his anchor throughout his life. He loved serving the church and first became a deacon at age 30 at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. That was the beginning of fifty-five years as an active deacon. Bob spent the last 50 years as a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, TN. and later became an honorary lifetime deacon.
Bob’s favorite hobby was golf, and he was a long-time member of Bluegrass Country Club. Although he struggled with the game, he really enjoyed the friends that he made while playing and passed his love of the game to his grandchildren.
Bob’s career began as a pharmacist. He later became interested in finance due to the influence of an Army buddy so he moved to Hendersonville in 1970 to begin a new career. He was a stockbroker in the firm that is now Wells Fargo.
Bob’s family was the most important thing to him. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mitzi Hendry Wilhite, daughters Kathy Wilhite Warren (Ken) and Kristen Wilhite, granddaughters Rachael Warren Jent (Jarrett), Haley Wilson Marcum (Austin), and grandsons Ryan Warren, Brett Warren, Eric Warren (Becca) and Chad Wilson (Andrea), plus 6 great-grandchildren.
At a graveside service in Cookeville City Cemetery on Friday, July 30th, at 11:00 AM, the family will celebrate the life of a man who was their spiritual leader and loved them unconditionally. Our loss is heaven’s gain and what a glorious reunion he is having with Jesus and loved ones who have gone before him and now welcome him to a glorious forever home.
