Benny Ray Whitley

Benny Ray Whitley joined his loving wife Alice in Heaven on February 26, 2025 in Mineral Wells, TX.

Benny was born in Roby, TX on March 20, 1936 to Lester and Dona (Wolfe) Whitley. On July 6, 1960 he married the love of his life Alice Pennell, she preceded him in death by a short 47 days. They are survived by four children and their spouses, Vonnie Pennell, Nita Spurlock (Earl), Jake Whitley (Tiffany) and Lynn Smallwood (Jessie). Dozens of adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. His siblings, nieces, nephews, church family and everyone that has been lucky enough to cross paths with him.

As a young man Benny gave service in US Army before finding his lifelong career in truck driving. His career in long haul trucking was passed on to his son Jake. After telling him to take the last leg of a drive, Jake received his first speeding ticket, at the age of 12 because Benny “had never seen a DPS on this stretch of road”! As an instructor Jake tells the story often to his students. In his free time, when he could find some, he enjoyed wood working, drawing designs for his wife’s quilting, working out in the shop and studying his bible. Benny loved classic cars and enjoyed bringing new life into old machines. His greatest source of joy and accomplishments were his family. Later in life, Benny was called to the Lord and became a devoted member of Santo First Baptist Church.

Benny was a kind and thoughtful person. He would always look for nice gestures or small tokens to bestow to anyone he ran into. When there was a time he didn’t have a small token to share, he would simply pull out his harmonica and share the gift of music.

There are so many more things to be told and retold about Benny. Everyone is welcome to share their stories when we all celebrate his life on March 8, 2024 at 2pm at the Santo First Baptist Church. A private graveside service will follow at Santo North Cemetery where Benny will be laid to rest, with his wife in his arms, for all eternity.

Pallbearers will be Robert Spurlock, Vonte Edwards, Jessie Smallwood, Danny Keaton, Raymond McDonell, Steve Whitley, Earl Spurlock, and Michael Griffin.