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John Robert Whittington
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal Life.”
John Robert Whittington, a sinner, spent his 74 years clinging to the promise of eternal life, and on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 his Savior fulfilled the covenant and brought him Home.
John was a Christian, a husband, a father, and a Texan, in that order. Born in Kilgore, TX, on February 21, 1952, he grew up in Luling, TX. There he worked cattle, played football, and learned to call ladies “ma’am.” Most importantly, it was there, among the mesquites and pump-jacks, that his mother taught him to love Jesus, and that is the legacy that he has passed on to his children and grandchildren.
At school at Southwest Texas State University, he met Debbie Searle and fell in love. In 1975 they embarked on their 51-year marriage.
Like Mark Twain, John would have said, “I love mankind, but I hate people”—but his life told a different story. Throughout John’s career as a financial advisor, he felt a deep responsibility to those who were entrusted to his care. He cared about stocks and bonds only because he cared about his clients’ families, their hopes, and their futures.
He was also deeply devoted to his family: his daughters watched him work hard, preach, and love their mother unwaveringly. Throughout his life, his children and grandchildren watched him wrestle with the Word of God and lean on the Promises. He cared deeply for the Church, the Bride of Christ, and strove to serve and care for her as he did for his own bride. He would insist that he did all those things imperfectly, and he would be right; however, God uses jars of clay, and through His servant, generations have been blessed.
John has eagerly anticipated his heavenly reunion with his parents, Gaines and Jo Whittington, brother, Gene Gaches, and sister, Mary Jo Meyer. He lived as though “this world was not his home; he was just a-passing through.” He is survived by his beloved bride Debbie, his daughters Megan Calvillo (John) and Haley Whittington, and by grandchildren who know that Granddad loved Jesus: Jonas, Avery, Afton, Judah, John Robert, and Jameson.
Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 6 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Pastor David Buchs will be officiating.
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Charles Edward Phillips, Sr.
Charles Edward Phillips, Sr., 86, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away September 29, 2026. He was born November 7, 1939, in Haskell, Arkansas, to the late Oliver Kermit and Lillian (Gatlin) Phillips.
Charles spent many years working in the auto parts business. Over the years, it seemed he worked for just about every auto parts store in town before deciding to open his own, P & H Auto Parts. With his big personality and genuine love for people, Charles was perfectly suited for a life spent working with the public. He enjoyed getting to know his customers, and through the years, many of them became much more than customers—they became friends. After he sold his business, he worked at the Saline County Road Department for ten years before retiring.
When he wasn’t working, Charles loved being outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or simply watching the birds, he appreciated the peace and enjoyment he found in nature. Charles was also a member of Tindall Park Missionary Baptist Church until his health prevented him from attending.
Above all else, family was most important to Charles. He treasured time spent together and loved his family deeply. After 63 years of marriage, the life he and Glenda built together was filled with family, memories, and countless moments that will continue to be cherished by those who loved him.
Charles was preceded in death by his son, Charles Edward Phillips, Jr.; parents, Oliver and Lillian Phillips; granddaughter, Megan; sisters, Rene Bragg, Dott Tucker, and Bab Rogers; brother, Barney Phillips; and special niece, Stacy Brooks.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 63 years, Glenda Phillips; grandchildren, Heidi and Haley Phillips and their mother, Teresa; great-grandchildren, Journey, Wrenlee, Maize, and River; brother, Tracy Phillips; special nephews, Lindy Bragg and Shawn Camp; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Darrell and Betty Camp, Paul and Connie Dickens, Willie Millican, and Rogie and Sandy Huchingson; and many extended family members, longtime friends, and customers-turned-friends who loved Charles and will miss his larger-than-life personality and the friendship he so freely gave.
In accordance with Charles’ wishes, his family will honor his life privately. A private burial will take place at Rosemont Cemetery under the direction of Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
Charles Edward Phillips, Sr.
Charles Edward Phillips, Sr., 86, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away September 29, 2026. He was born November 7, 1939, in Haskell, Arkansas, to the late Oliver Kermit and Lillian (Gatlin) Phillips.
Charles spent many years working in the auto parts business. Over the years, it seemed he worked for just about every auto parts store in town before deciding to open his own, P & H Auto Parts. With his big personality and genuine love for people, Charles was perfectly suited for a life spent working with the public. He enjoyed getting to know his customers, and through the years, many of them became much more than customers—they became friends. After he sold his business, he worked at the Saline County Road Department for ten years before retiring.
When he wasn’t working, Charles loved being outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or simply watching the birds, he appreciated the peace and enjoyment he found in nature. Charles was also a member of Tindall Park Missionary Baptist Church until his health prevented him from attending.
Above all else, family was most important to Charles. He treasured time spent together and loved his family deeply. After 63 years of marriage, the life he and Glenda built together was filled with family, memories, and countless moments that will continue to be cherished by those who loved him.
Charles was preceded in death by his son, Charles Edward Phillips, Jr.; parents, Oliver and Lillian Phillips; granddaughter, Megan; sisters, Rene Bragg, Dott Tucker, and Bab Rogers; brother, Barney Phillips; and special niece, Stacy Brooks.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 63 years, Glenda Phillips; grandchildren, Heidi and Haley Phillips and their mother, Teresa; great-grandchildren, Journey, Wrenlee, Maize, and River; brother, Tracy Phillips; special nephews, Lindy Bragg and Shawn Camp; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Darrell and Betty Camp, Paul and Connie Dickens, Willie Millican, and Rogie and Sandy Huchingson; and many extended family members, longtime friends, and customers-turned-friends who loved Charles and will miss his larger-than-life personality and the friendship he so freely gave.
In accordance with Charles’ wishes, his family will honor his life privately. A private burial will take place at Rosemont Cemetery under the direction of Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
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