Sherman- The funeral service f o r Wi l l i a m Ridgway Whitehead will be held at 1pm on Nov. 5, 2022 at Fairview Baptist Church. A private family burial will follow at DFW National Cemetery with military honors. Mr. Whitehead passed away October 30 at 8:12pm at the age of 92.
Bill was born March 18, 1930 in Fowler, Kansas the first born child to the late William and Mary (Kelley) Whitehead. He married his sweetheart, Norma Lea Luper, on April 1, 1951; they enjoyed 71 years of marriage. He served in the US Army during the Korean War; in his career, he worked with Standard Oil, University of Arizona, Austin College, Texas Instruments, and he retired from Libby Owens Ford in 1990. He also operated various businesses. After this, his real career, his ministry, began full time. Having served as a Chaplain, having worked in Jail Ministry, and being a longtime member of Fairview Baptist Church, he now pastored and ministered full time. He pastored Country Chapel twice, he served as Missions Pastor at Fairview Baptist Church, and he founded Share Ministries in 1985. Known as Mr. Bill, he had a heart for serving those in need. The ministry grew from serving 40 people a month to over 1,500 people a month; it helps those with mental and chronic illnesses, those seeking employment, and provides food for over 30 churches to support their food pantries. Mr. Bill cherished EVERY volunteer and their countless hours of service, and he loved EVERY person that attended the Sunday services. He was a soul winner and was sold out to Christ at whatever the cost! His life is marked by mission – by the many he has impacted and influenced. He loved Jesus, shared Jesus, and changed lives in the precious name of Jesus everywhere he went.
Bill, an ordained minister, was joined by his wife Norma as they served widows, participated in prayer groups, led worship, and ministered to others together. He also passed along his love of Jesus, missions, and others to his sons, also ordained ministers and active in Christian ministry – Doug and his wife Jan of Sugar Land, Texas; Darren and his wife Carol of Arlington, Texas. Bill was blessed with four grandsons, Jonathan and wife Ashlee of Arlington, Texas; Michael and wife Jordan of Sugar Land, Texas; Chris and wife Brittany of Friendswood, Texas; and Daniel and wife Samantha of Lubbock, Texas. He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren Liam, Levi, Austin, Elle, JJ, Remi, Judah, Wilder, Willow, Jesse, and Maggie Whitehead. Countless others also include Bill as Papa and family. Memories of cards, camping trips, holidays, meals, ball games, and much teasing and laughter with our Papa, live with us forever.
The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Share Ministries, 820 E. Houston St., Sherman, Texas 75090
