I only met Mr. Whiddon  once during my employment. He was very gracious and sincere. His devotion and perseverance was evident to all who met him. My prayers and condolences to his family.

I am very grateful that I knew Ken. He was a trusted friend and a valued mentor. Ken was a trailblazer. I will forever remember the conversations he shared with me in the early 90's in Dublin, Ga. about his belief in the Recovery movement. It is a testament to his life and his dedication that this belief became a National movement and now 25 years later is the valued principle of Mental Health Services internationally. Ken did not just talk the talk, but he truly walked the walk. He was a tireless worker and advocate. Ken will be missed by thousands, but the good works that he left us with will touch millions.-"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Kenny's place was prepared and God called him home.  He is gone from this earth, but he will not be forgotten.  To his family, I offer my sincere condolences, My prayer is that each of you will be given the strength to adjust to life without Kenny.  When you become sad, remember that "smile".

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

 Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
 Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
 That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
 God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

 It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

 God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not  be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. 

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

What a loss!  

Ken, I'm so sorry I didn't get to tell you one last time how much you meant to me and our family.  You will be missed.

Nora Lott Haynes

Mr. Whiddon took the time upon my employment to sit down and share his story and the vision for his company. Very compassionate about the services provided.  My condolences to the family

My deepest condolences to the family. It was truly an honor to work for such an amazing person.

When the Georgia mental health system was initially developing the concepts of Recovery and Peer Support in the early 00s, there were still several leaders within and outside of the system who did not fully grasp that individuals who might be living with a significant mental health diagnosis could also manage that illness and be living full and extraordinary lives.  Ken Whiddon walked alongside us blowing up those old notions, as a man with lived experience, as an advocate, as a Certified Peer Specialist, as a Department administrator, as a provider, and as a friend. His very extraordinary life not only touched those of us who knew him, but radically moved the cultural needle of the system towards embracing recovery and full lives.

I am so sorry to hear about Ken's passing, and extend my sincere condolences to Ken's family and his staff at American Work.  I had the privilege to work briefly with Ken at American Work. I saw first hand his compassion for American Work clients.  Once, i was on a whirlwind visit of American Work locations, Ken was visibly troubled that one of the clients was sitting outside on the sidewalk curb.    Ken immediately gave the authorization and order for the purchase of outdoor furniture.  Ken is the consummate example of what an individual can accomplish with the core value of work ethic and determination, despite any disability.  He certainly has left his mark on Georgia mental health services, and made significant contributions many times over to Georgia's communities in improving and enhancing people's lives.  I am only proud to say I had the opportunity to meet and work with Ken Whiddon.  Cheers to Ken and legacy he leaves behind!

Truly an honor to have been graced by your presence.  Peace be with you.

I was so sorry to hear about Ken's passing.  It was a privilege to be able to work for him.  My thoughts & prayers are with you & may the Lord provide comfort to his family & friends during this time of great sorrow.

Ken has always exhibited such a quiet strength and great gift of words.  His unique perspectives helped revolutionize mental health reform in Georgia.  He leaves a beautiful legacy and will be fondly remembered by so many.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

I have so many fond memories of Ken.  I can still see him leading the early Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network meetings (as their first president) and taking the Network's #1 priority ("JOBS!") around the state, passionately declaring that there was a moral imperative for the State to respond. Ken and Larry Fricks were a dynamite team during those years.  Way back "when," Ken and Jean Toole's leadership of Mental Health America's workshops spread the gospel of recovery before we used that word.  When I served on the Governor Roy Barnes' Mental Health Advisory Council with Ken and Pierluigi Mancini, their unimpeachable knowledge about what was happening "on the ground" often shone the clear bright light of reality on our deliberations.  Haven't we all seen that piercing look on Ken's face when he decided something was worth fighting for?  Ken was a kick-butt advocate for the passage of House Bill 100, and then for implementation that was true to the spirit of the bill. He and Stan Jones were a great sales team!  I think I remember that Ken was even (briefly) a Regional Director, before he decided that he could get more done as a statewide provider.  And did he ever!  Thousands of people have benefited from his work. Ken was a great spirit and he will be missed by many.

I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It was truly an honor and a privilege to work with Ken and to get to know him. He made a difference in so many lives, the world truly lost a great man. May he Rest in Peace

OBITUARY

William Kenneth Whiddon

August 17, 1951 – January 20, 2015

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home

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