Richard Dale Whittington

Our beloved Bishop Richard Dale Whittington passed from this life surrounded by his precious family on May 17, 2024, at the age of 75. He was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, October 31, 1948, to the late Howard and Mary Tate Whittington. He married the love of his life, Regina Stevens, in 1970 at El Dorado, Arkansas.
 
Richard studied at Southern State University in Magnolia, Arkansas.  He was called into the ministry in 1966, and he achieved significant milestones over his 58 years of ministry.   He received his local license in 1970, obtained a general license in 1985, and reached ordination status in 1987.  He served as Assistant Pastor under Rev. Melvin and Peggy Clifford at Christian Life Center, Little Rock, Arkansas; in 1984, Richard accepted a position as Assistant Pastor to Rev. M. D. Deal in Dewar, Oklahoma.  As God moves, so do his ministers and he was elected the Pastor of Bethel Temple Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi.  After the death of his mother, Rev. Howard Whittington and Richard both felt like God was calling him to the church in North Little Rock, Calvary Apostolic Church (formerly Pershing UPCI).  Again, he was elected the Pastor in 1994, and served faithfully to this great congregation.  In 2021, Rev. Richard and Sis. Regina Whittington retired, becoming the Bishop of Calvary Apostolic Church, North Little Rock, where he faithfully and gracefully served until his transition to glory.  We won’t attempt to name the many accomplishments of his labors in the Kingdom of God.  He loved his family, church family, and people in general.  He always had a smile, a hug, and word of encouragement for everyone.  

Among Richard's most cherished qualities was his profound love for his children. He dearly adored his family and took immense pride in their accomplishments.  He had the great virtue of patience, especially with his beloved great-grandchildren.  The Whittington’s loved, loved to travel.  You can see from all the posts the wonderful and lovely times they enjoyed together and with their family. 

No matter where you met Richard, you would get a bear hug and smile that would never end!  He was always amazing with his love and kindness to everyone. Richard leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through his surviving family members.  He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Regina Whittington of Scott, Arkansas, daughter Heather Edwards and husband Tim Edwards of Scott, Arkansas; son Taryn Whittington of Conway, Arkansas; grandson Cameron Fuller and wife Alyssa of Scott, Arkansas;  a granddaughter Autumn Edwards of Scott, Arkansas;  two precious great-grandchildren Aden and Adalynn Fuller;  brother Ted Whittington and wife Anita of North Little Rock, Arkansas; a niece Tiffany Whittington; and a nephew Jerrod Whittington and wife Holly all of North Little Rock, Arkansas; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Calvary Apostolic Church Building Memorial Fund (NLR) in honor of Bishop Richard Whittington.

Pallbearers will be Charles Maddox, Matt Clay, Jerry Shirley, Huntley Ison, Conner Ison, and Jett Wilson.
Honorary pallbearers are Eddie Ison, Robert Campbell, Terry Johnson, Steven McNair, Benny Smith, Jim White, James Wilson, Jay Summers, Larry Young, and Clay Young.

Honor Guard:   Ted Whittington and Eddie Ison   Benny Smith and Elmer Lagos

A man of great faith and integrity, Richard Dale Whittington touched the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives he graced.

The visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home - North Little Rock on May 21, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on May 22nd starting at 11:00 AM at Calvary Apostolic Church, North Little Rock.

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  2 Corinthians 5:8