Whitfield grew up in Hamlin, TX on a farm. He moved to Amarillo, TX in 1954. He met the love of his life Margaret Dalrymple in 1955 at Playmore Skating Rink. Whitfield went up to Margaret and asked her what time it was. She told him there is a big clock on the wall. They married on June 4, 1956. He loved country music, dancing and playing shuffleboard. He worked for Denver Amarillo Express Freight-line and then Redball Motor Freight in Amarillo for 15 years. He started working for EZ Tight Siding AW Insulation with his dad in 1970. He started his own company Acklin and Sons Siding with his brother TG in the late 70’s. He and his son Ricky worked doing stonework, putting siding on houses, and remodeling in Amarillo and around the Texas Panhandle until his retirement in 2016 at 81 years old.
In retirement Whitfield enjoyed watching his Great granddaughter Jaylyne and spending time with his wife. He also loved the Dallas Cowboys and watching games with his kids and grandkids as long as no one talked while the game was on. One of his favorite things to do was play dominoes. He loved his black coffee in his coffee cup he had for years that he wouldn’t allow anyone to wash. He was a great handyman and was always fixing up things around the house as well as in the yard.
Whitfield was preceded in death by his parents Gertrude and Chester F. Acklin. His brothers Walter Acklin, CF Acklin, and TG Acklin. His sisters Dovie Graham and Marie Rupert. His daughter Brenda Glenn.
Whitfield is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margaret Acklin. Sons Whitfield Rickey Acklin, Randy Acklin, Mark and wife Crystal Acklin, Tim Acklin, and Greg and wife Elizabeth Acklin. Daughter Karen Acklin all of Amarillo, and daughter Gennie and husband Tim Smith of Surprise, AZ. 13 grandkids and 10 great grandkids. Along with several other family members and friends.
A visitation for Whitfield will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 East Interstate 40, Amarillo, Texas 79118. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialparkamarillo.com for the Acklin family.
