Larry R. Wilhite

August 22, 1942 - November 9, 2019

Rev. Larry Wilhite, 77, of Irondale, Al passed to Heaven on 11/9/19. He was born in Birmingham but lived his early life in Jacksonville, Fl. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Wilhite, mother Pauline Wilhite, and daughter Shari Lynn Wilhite. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carolyn Farley Wilhite, daughter Treasure Clolinger, of Irondale, and son David Cox (Jenny), of Albany, Ga. He cherished his seven grandchildren, Steven Cox (Katie), of Trussville, Meleah Brooks (Jarrod) and Tanner Cox of Albany, Ga., Kaitlyn, Christian, and Caleb Clolinger of Irondale, and Riley Stockman of Chiefland, Fl., and three great-grandchildren Brayden and Hunter Cox and Cooper Brooks. His 3 brothers, Rev. Dewey Wilhite (Donna), Buddy Wilhite (Karen) and Daryl Wilhite (Gina); his 2 sisters, Debby Porter and Jane Higgins (Bill) and his stepmother, Juanita Wilhite. He was pastor of First Baptist Church of Tarrant, and after serving in the National Guard. He had been in pastoral ministry and Christian Education most of his life. He received a BA in Bible and Theology from Southeastern Bible College. He was an avid archer and was Chaplain of Ala Society of Traditional Bowmen. He also loved riding motorcycles. When he was diagnosed with ALS eight months ago, he adopted another ALS patient’s motto of “Finish Strong, Finish Empty.” He fulfilled that goal, preaching, teaching, and encouraging others until he had nothing more to give. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 13, 2019, from 10 am until 11:30 am at First Baptist Church of Tarrant, followed by a service at 11:30, officiated by Rev. Chris Lamb and Rev. Wayne Wright. Burial will follow at Wideman Cemetery in Cahaba Heights, directed by Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home.