Bob E. Whitson

Reverend Bob E. Whitson, faithful servant to our Lord Jesus Christ entered into eternal rest on May 10, 2020 after a short illness. Bob was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, one of seven children of Reverend Clarence E. and Cartie Whitson.

Bob was called to ministry at a very young age and Christian music was his passion. He often accompanied his father and traveled the State of Tennessee and Kentucky having tent revivals. His entire family were gifted musicians and sang at many revivals and churches. After graduating from Seminary, Bob was ordained in 1950 and began his ministry career and was dedicated to the ministry of music evangelism. His music ministry spanned over 70 years.

Bob was a teacher of voice, music theory and choral conducting. He was a song writer, composer and arranger with broad experience in organizing and teaching singing groups such as choirs, praise teams, quartets, trios, ensembles and instrumentalists. He was an incredible pianist and played much of the music by ear with no music. He recorded an album of “Hymns and Gospel Songs” and “50 Current Gospel Favorites”, published the “Songs of Evangelism” Hymn Book and is listed in “International Who’s Who in Music”.

Over the years Bob served on numerous church staffs as Minister of Music not only in Tennessee but Texas. In his early ministry, he served as Minister of Music at Tennessee Avenue Baptist, building the choir from 9 members to well over a 200 voice choir. He had several guest appearances at Billy Graham Crusades, a weekly Christian radio program for 15 years, made television quest appearances and directed music at revivals for many nationally known evangelists. Bob was a music mentor to many over the span of his ministry and touched many, many lives.

He and his wife, Marie were featured singers at a National Prayer Breakfast with former President Jimmy Carter as Keynote Speaker. They also had a weekly television program, “Songs From The Heart” which was televised throughout the Houston and surrounding area. They were featured singers at many revivals and churches throughout the State of Texas and other states. Bob and Marie were still ministering in song and testimony until his illness in February of this year. His rich, baritone voice will long be remembered, singing songs such as How Great Thou Art, Down From His Glory and many others. His beautiful voice will live on in the hearts and lives of many.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife and ministry partner of 43 years, Marie. He is also survived by his 5 children: 2 daughters, Yolanda and husband Wayne, Sherry and husband Chip and 3 sons, David Eugene, David and wife Debbie, Jason and wife Jennifer, 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He loved being a husband, father and grandfather (Pe-Paw). He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and 1 brother. He is survived by 1 sister and 2 brothers.

Bob fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith (2Timothy 4:7) He will be forever loved and missed. May he rest in eternal peace.