Farris Wayne Wilhite

Farris W. Wilhite, (70) passed away unexpectedly on December 30th, 2024 at Genesis Hospital ER, Zanesville. He was born on February 23rd, 1954 to Farris W. and Hazel (Seenes) Wilhite, Sr. in Zanesville, Ohio. He graduated in 1972 from Zanesville High School where he was in The Zanesville High School Marching Band as a drummer/tuba player, and in Radio and was hired to teach radio after graduation for the school’s Radio Station. Farris worked for 104.9 FM The River, Columbus, Ohio for over 20 years as their chief engineer also serving as Program Manager and the main Host for The Gospel Ship at their Zanesville station on Saturday Nights. He went on a 2 week Missionary Trip in 1998 to Nenana, Alaska to make improvements on a Christian Radio Station there. He worked at Genesis Good Samaritan Hospital before retirement, but was most proud of being the CEO and General Manager of WTLL-LP which Calvary Chapel owned in Zanesville, which was owned & operated by his Company "In His Service Inc.”; a Christian station, broadcasted on 98.9 FM. He was a man of deep faith and a deeply devoted son, brother, husband, friend, cousin, stepfather, and employee, and, of course, he was a Follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian. For many years, he belonged to the National Association of Broadcasters, Zanesville’s Optimist Club, The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association, and The Gideons. He prayed every Thursday (when he was physically able to get there) with the Pastors and Leaders who attended the Thursday Prayer Meeting at The Salvation Army. Sundays Farris worshiped at Hands of Faith, with Dr. Michael Bullock and Elder Phillip Tabler leading worship. He had plans to enter the School of Ministry at Cornerstone Church in Duncan Falls. But God, in His Holy Wisdom, had other plans. 

Farris was preceded in death by his parents, Farris and Hazel Willhite, his sister, Betsy Jane Wilhite-Mount, and his nephew, Rick Bice. Aunts and Uncles, Virgil and Ruth Seenes, Paul and Doris Lee, Carl Seenes, Betty Wilhite, Peter Wilhite, plus other Aunts and Uncles on the Wilhite side.

Farris is survived by his nephew, Adam Bice. His cousins, Rev. Max and Erma Wood, Sheila Hina (Seenes), and Kevin Hina, Chuck Seenes and other cousins, The Miller family, cousins in Akron and the Massillon areas of Ohio. He is also survived by his former wife and best friend for many years, Elissa Fox, and her daughters whom he dearly loved, Andrea and Amanda Fox.

 Farris had many friends and acquaintances in Zanesville, Alaska, California, and Radio Vendors across the United States who still kept in contact with him after his retirement. He knew anybody who was “anybody” in Radio and “fluent” in music, especially Southern Gospel and Black Gospel music. He was loyal to his friends, family, and church. He was part of Zanesville Koinonia.

 Special thanks to his Attorney and Friend, Susan Montgomery-McDonald for her involvement during his life, especially when Betsy was ill. Special friends, Jeff and Connie Williamson and Staff, John and Dorothy Montgomery, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Bullock, Chris Wood, Jaime, Tom, Harold, Pastor George Bates, Pastor Mike Mcguire, and countless others who have been there for him and he for them, especially during the last couple of years. Thanks to Sheila for checking in on him regularly. Thanks to his Caregiver, Mary of Quality of Life, who was there for him as a dedicated caregiver and a friend. Also Caseworker James of Area Agency on Aging. Many thanks to Dr. Lee, Podiatrist/Surgeon. You did your best!

A cremation will take place under the direction of the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE. Funeral services are pending. Please check here for information.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.

The family of Farris is planning to hold a memorial service in his honor at some point in the future, but there are no definitive plans as of yet.  Once a service date is definitive it will be posted in his obituary.

Family and friends wishing to make a donation to help defer the costs of services and procure a marker for Farris's gravesite are welcome to send donations the the offices of Gottlieb, Johnston, Beam, and Dal Ponte, P.L.L., 320 Main St, Zanesville, OH 43701 to the Trust of Farris Wilhite, care of Susan McDonald. Please do not send donation in the name of the Law Office, Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, or Susan McDonald; Donations to the Trust are all that can be accepted.