It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Arthur Lee Whitmore Sr. (Phoenix Arizona), who passed away at the age of 82, on December 7, 2023.
Arthur Lee Whitmore Sr., “Whit”, was born February 24, 1941 in Dallas Texas.; to Rasco Cleophus “RC” Whitmore and Cleo Bell Turner, as the eldest of four children. Robbie Mae Medearis, Herman “BB” Andrews / Peggy, and Wayne E. Carter / Rosetta.
Growing up he graduated from Safford High School, where he was an all-around athlete, and set many records in track and field. Art ran track, played basketball, and was outstanding in football. He was an All-star and Allstate in all of these, as well as being an All American. He went to Eastern Arizona College, on a football scholarship, where he played football with Nick Nolte the actor, then on to Northern Arizona University, while being pursued by the Kansas City Chiefs. Art also was a Golden Glove boxer.
He settled in Phoenix, and he had two marriages that proceeded him. He had seven children total: Pamela Whitmore-Collins /Laymon Collins Jr, Arthur “Art” Whitmore Jr. /Mary Whitmore, Anthony “Tony” Whitmore/ “Benita” Whitmore, Kenneth “Kent” Whitmore, Jolene Merritt, Brianne Richmond, & Marlon Haley. He had 15 grandchildren (3 proceeded him in death), 5 step grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.
Art’s life led him down many different avenues, Arthur joined the Armed Forces in U.S Army. He was a policeman for the South Phoenix Police Department, he worked for the United States Postal Services, as well as a Crossing Guard for the City of Phoenix. But what took up his love was the Elks Lodge, he joined in 1968, where he was the “Exalted Ruler” for two different terms 1973 to 1995 for the Pacific States Association, as Brigadier General, a member of the National Award Committee, where he went all over the world representing them at Conventions. Where he met many Professional Hall of Fame players like Willie Mays, Deacon Jones, and being a good friend with Paul Robinson, Cincinnati Bengals running back. Art was a living dictionary, he never forgot a name or a face and if you asked him, he could take you back to that time and place, he inherited his memory from his mother. Art could remember sports events, marriages, family and friends, deaths, as well as who you were related to. Throughout his life he had an influence on those around him. To know him was to know his vibrant character he was. Whit’s life will live on through the eyes of his children, family, friends, and acquaintances. He will be missed by the Community he touched.
