Funeral Services for William “Bill” Willhite will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Holly, Colorado. Interment will follow in the Holly Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel in Holly.

William M. Willhite was born on May 1, 1932 in a farmhouse South of Holly, Colorado to John H. and Louise M. (Barth) Willhite.  He departed this life, surrounded by family on January 14, 2021 at the age of 88.

Bill attended school at a one room schoolhouse 20 miles Southeast of Holly.  He began attending Holly Schools in the eighth grade and during this time he stayed with his grandmother, Millie Willhite. Bill graduated from Holly High School in 1950 and then was united in marriage to his high-school sweetheart, Roberta Atkinson on June 7, 1952 in Clayton New Mexico.  The family soon grew to include William Kent, Dale Lee, Jan Marie, and Jerry Dean.  The Willhites were always self-employed through farming and ranching endeavors.  They built their family business on strong work ethic and Christian values.

In 1964 Bill and Roberta trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior at the Webb School where the American Sunday School Union conducted worship services.  From that day forward they followed the teachings and principles from the Word of God.  For several years, the family participated in scripture memorization programs available through The Navigators.

Bill is survived by his children, Kent (Marsha) Willhite, Dale (Donetta) Willhite, Jan (Jimmy) Holmes, and Jerry (Erlene) Willhite; grandchildren, Doni (Dana) Files, Cari (Earl) Brewer, Lindsay (Tom) Huthoefer, Justin (Kellyn) Willhite, Zoey (Russel) Griffin, Kara Davis, Marissa Holmes, Kristen (Patrick) Turner, Josh (Jessica) Willhite, Raquel (Irwann) LeBouquin, Kendrie (Trevor) Gregory, Brycen Willhite, and Shawn Willhite; 25 great-grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; many other relatives and a host of friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta Willhite; parents, John and Louise Willhite; grandson, Jesse Holmes; and brother, Marvin (Patricia) Willhite.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holly Fire and Ambulance in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, Colorado, 81052.