The world lost one of its most gentle souls on August 6 2017, with the sudden passing of Mel Allen Whitney, age 65, of Jacksonville AR.
While outwardly quiet, Mel was a strong man who exuded kindness and found great joy in making the people around him happy. He maintained a positive attitude through any challenge placed before him, creating an aura of contentment that put everyone at ease.
Born December 19, 1951 in NE AR, Mel grew up an avid duck hunter and willing to share his love of the sport with anyone wanting to hunt.
He is survived by his spouse of 38 years, Jan Farmer Whitney of Jacksonville, parents Charles and Mimah (Willcockson) Whitney of Dixie, AR, sister Dana (Larry) Hooten of Paragould, AR, sister-in-law Louise (Joe) Younce of Flint MI and brother-in-law Jerry (Kay) Farmer of Alexander, AR. Nieces and nephews Mica Lea Gibson, Moody Younce, Kim (Gary) Swisher, Joni Younce, Jill (Roger) Tate, and Jonathan (Megan) Farmer. Great nieces and nephews Levi Gibson, Emily Gibson, Mandi Cross, Robbie Cross, DJ (Angie) Hatchew, Melanie (Matthew) Wilder, Marissa Tate, Gabriella Younce and nine great-great nieces and nephews.
Cremation services are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, August 10,2017 at 2:00 P.M. at A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas.
A reception following the service will be held at McArthur Church 3501 John Hardin Drive
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jacksonville Friends of the Animals 217 S Redman Rd. Jacksonville, AR 72076. www.jacksonvillefriendsoftheanimals.org
49 Comments
Mel you will be missed but you will forever be in our hearts. We love you
thank you
Jan, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you
My thoughts & prayers are with all if you. Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that your happy memories of Mel will carry you through the days ahead.
Thank you
Dear Jan, my thoughts and prayers are with you, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you
Jan I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you as your heart grieves. Mel was the nicest man. He will be missed.
Thank you
Janetta & family… SO sorry for your loss. Will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer.., Monda
Thank you
Jan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May God give you peace and comfort as only He can.
Thank you
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you Jan and your extended family and friends.
Thank you
May you find peace amidst the heavens!
Thank you
Jan, I am so very sorry for your loss. Mel sounds like he was a lovely and kind man. I will be praying for you and your family in the days to come. Cherish your beautiful memories, they will bring comfort.
Thank you
Our prayers are with your family.
Thank you
So sorry for you Jan and your family. God bless you all in this time of sorrow.
Thank you
Jan, praying for strength and comfort and strength in the coming days. I always thought Mel was a wonderful person and a class act. Love you!
Thank you
Our heartfelt and sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one. May each of you find some comfort as you recall special memories of Mel and the life he lived. Blessings to all.
Thank you
Praying and thinking about all you with love l
Thank you
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for Gods live and strength to hold you.
Thank you
Mel I have fond memories of growing up with you & Dana on big island. I know you are in heaven enjoying & helping all around you. You will be missed by those you left behind.
Thank you
Mel had the greatest laugh. Once he started you couldn’t help but join in tre laughter with him. We’ll miss you. Jan, we love you and will keep you in our prayers for God’s peace. Our love, Tim and Patti
Jan, we simply don’t have words for a life not lived long enough for us! May God show you his comfort, courage and peace during these difficult days ahead. Our love Jan!
Thank You
Jan, our friendship started over 40 years ago with dinner at your house in Jonesboro and continued to this day. My heart goes out to you during this time on your loss of Mel.
This is a prayer to share with you called: A Blessing for the Sorrowful
May the Lord bless your sorrow and wash your eyes with tears until you can see clearly that invisible land where tears shall come no more. Amen
I will not be able to be at the celebration of Mel’s life due to a procedure already scheduled for that day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Thank you Tony
Mel will be missed by many. The family is in my prayers.
Thank you
Like so many with good intentions, we let our friends drift out of sight always thinking there will be time to reconnect. I have done that with Jan and Mel and I regret it. Each and every time I reached out to them, they were there for me. Now, he got away without me thanking him ,again. Jan, I am so very sorry for your loss. Everything just comes back to me in flashes, like his goofy grin he had at times. I am out of pocket this week so I will miss everything, but I’ll always have the memories.
Thank you Robert.
Jan, we are so sorry to hear of Mel’s sudden passing away. Our thoughts and paryers go out to you and the family. May you find strength and comfort in the shadow of God’s wings. Our love.
Thank you
Although it’s been a long, long time since we have seen Mel or Jan, there are some great memories we will carry with us the rest of our lives. Mel was the epitome of a “good guy” whether it be sitting around a pool, in a duck blind, or at work. He was great company and always there with a helping hand.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jan and to the entire family and all the friends and acquaintances Mel touched in life.
Thank you
Jan- You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you
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