John Edward Whitley, 94, of Benton passed away on November 15.  He will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, fun personality, and strong sense of self.  John channeled his great determination and powerful work ethic to build a thriving business.  He was also a caring and dependable man who deeply valued his relationships with family and friends.  He loved to connect with others whether through a playful card game, on the golf course, or while fishing. John was a member of First United Methodist Church of Benton.

John was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Flo Bylander Whitley, his mother Eva Whitley, dad Houston Whitley and one grandson Matthew Whitley.  John was survived by three sons, Rick Whitley and his wife Sharon from Harlingen, Texas, Randall Whitley and his wife Vicki from Benton, Arkansas, and Mark Whitley from Dana Point, California; four grandchildren Clint Whitley and his wife Elizabeth from Benton, Michael Whitley from Beebe, Jolie Whitley of Little Rock and Brennan Whitley and her husband Brian from Elk Grove, California; and six great-grandchildren.

Born February 15, 1930, in Little Rock Arkansas, John later moved to Vimy Ridge where he helped with the family dairy farm and graduated from Little Rock Technical High School, class of 1948.  He attended the University of Arkansas Fayetteville where he met Nancy Bylander. In 1951 John and Nancy were married and made their home in Southern California, where he was attending boot camp while serving in the Army.  After his tour of duty in Korea, they returned to Benton, Arkansas.

In 1955, John opened Johnny Whitley Floor Covering, which quickly became a success.  The company's playful and often accurate slogan became, "Chances are you walked on a Whitley floor today."  As a business leader, John served on the Benton City Council, was active with the Jaycees, and was an early member of Trace Creek Country Club.

John was an avid golfer who loved the sport, playing for most of his life.  He also became a pilot and loved the outdoors.  John and Nancy liked to spend summers on their houseboat at Lake Ouachita.

Starting in 1983, John and Nancy became "Winter Texans," spending time in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas.  After Nancy passed away in 2014, John began living in Harlingen, Texas full time where he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, riding his bicycle, and spending time with his many friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Monday, November 25, at Ashby Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held at Pine Crest Memorial Park on Tuesday, November 26 at 11:00 am.

The Whitley family is thankful for the love and support from friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Easterseals Arkansas or your favorite charity.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com