Bobby Ray "Red" Whisenant's Obituary
Bobby Ray “Red” Whisenant was born on October 11, 1934, in Pilot Point, Texas and passed away on September 4, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Hershel Bradley and Lois Rogers Whisenant, his loving wife Peggy Whisenant, grandson Jason Whisenant and his sister Patsy Bayless.
One of three children, Red grew up in Waco and Ft. Worth, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and served his country during the Korean Conflict, or as Red referred to it “WW Korea” alongside his brother Bill aboard the USS Uhlman. Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy, Red continued his education and was in the first graduating class at the University of Texas at Arlington. On September 2, 1956 two lives would become changed forever. It was on this date that he married the love of his life, Peggy Davidson in Chanute, Kansas. A marriage that would span 66 years until Peggy’s passing in 2022. Their marriage delivered 66 years of pure love and adventure. Once Red graduated from college, Peggy left her employment and the two of them began their plans of building their own family which ultimately led to the birth of three children. Red worked as an Aeronautical Engineer for LTV Corporation which later became Vought. During his career he was contracted out to Boeing and the family temporarily relocated to Seattle, Washington. Perhaps one of his most proud and significant accomplishments in his professional career was, his involvement and engineering leadership in the development of the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
Many years of living in Arlington, Texas created countless adventures and memories with “The Mafia”, a group of friends that became so close and had such a unique friendship they consider themselves family. Throughout the years and enduring the loss of 9 of the original members the remaining members of the Mafia, John and Penny Smale are still close friends, and the children of the Mafia crew continue the legacy through keeping in contact with each other.
In 1976, Red and Peggy purchased their lake lot in Three Harbors and spent countless weekends travelling from Arlington to Cedar Creek Lake camping on their lot along with Pat & Carl Brown and Bob & Jackie McGlew and all of their children. In 1985, they finally began building their retirement house on the lake. Red acted as his own contractor and built their house with his own hands on the weekends. In 1987, they moved to Cedar Creek Lake, and he commuted to Grand
Prairie until his retirement from Vought in 1990. For over 30 years Red and Peggy enjoyed their time and lives together at the lake often entertaining friends and family with visits and happy hour on the patio (every night at 5:00). Perhaps his biggest enjoyment was the weekend visits with their children and grandchildren at their lake house, boat rides and overall, just spending time with his family and friends. He always looked forward to the weekends and holidays with his family and friends down at the lake and he would make sure that everyone that visited felt loved and welcomed and he would always say “come back and see me sometime”.
After settling into the lake house, Red and Peggy began attending the First United Methodist Church in Mabank. This would lead to a long and committed dedication to their church where they loved to volunteer and through this commitment many great friendships blossomed. Over many years, Red and Peggy enjoyed so many miles of travel and adventures with family and friends. For many years Red and Peggy would take annual cruises and visit many different countries and destinations. Red also loved the many trips that were taken with his children and family. Camping trips to Roaring River, cruises, overland trips and travelling overseas just to name a few of their adventures. He is already and will continue to be deeply missed but we rejoice with the assurance that on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Red was called home to be re-born in the presence of his Lord and Savior. He was welcomed into Heaven by the love of his life Peggy, grandson Jason and his sister Patsy Bayless and so many other friends and family that left before him.
The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Michelle, Wendy, Vanessa, Allie, Melinda, Myranda, John and the entire caring staff of Solaris Hospice.
Red is survived by his son Kirk Whisenant and wife Tiffany of Arlington; daughter, Christy Whisenant of Euless; daughter Lori Day and husband Mike of Royse City; “other son” Karl Neumann of Bedford; grandchildren Greyson Whisenant, Alyssa Day, Dylan Day and Taylor Kephart; great grandsons Luke and Lachlan Kephart, his dear and loving companion Gisela Ord, his brother Bill Whisenant as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, his loving church family, his extended “Three Harbors family” and a large host of other friends and family.
A reception will be held at 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM on Saturday September 21, 2024, at the First Methodist Church of Mabank followed by a memorial service with Bro. Dan Gurley officiating under the direction of Restland Funeral Home of Dallas.
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