Richard Thompson Whitworth

Born in Atlanta, GA, Richard was the adopted son of James Oliver Whitworth and Mary Thompson Whitworth. He attended Florida State University, graduating with a Bachelors degree in Engineering Science. He completed extensive post graduate coursework in physics and engineering at Florida State University and the University of South Florida. Richard and Valarie married in June of 1971 and soon after founded Logical Data Corporation together with their partner, David Baggerman, in 1978. The business created custom computer hardware and software solutions for customers worldwide and operated for 20 years. The company employed an average of 14 people and served customers spanning several major industries including a major film corporation, steel manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, oil and gas manufacturing, defense, and the government of Israel. This work created many amazing stories that Richard enjoyed sharing with his friends and family.

Richard was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Malabar where he served in multiple roles including Deacon, Treasurer, Youth Pastor, Minister of Administration, and the go-to repairman for many things. When Richard and his family first came to Malabar Baptist, he accepted Christ, was baptized, and jumped right into serving God, and his church family. He served continuously in some capacity until God called him home. Additionally, he served as the troop Chaplain and Charter Organization Representative for a Trail Life Scout Troop and an American Heritage Girls Troop both operating at the First Baptist Church of Malabar.

As an engineer, Richard loved technology throughout his life. He often used his skills to help people and small businesses by repairing their computers and getting various computer systems running for them. Starting at middle age and continuing through the remainder of his life, Richard focused on Christian ministry through both his work as a Youth Pastor and as a leader in the “Rescued Horses, Saved Kids” ministry sponsored through First Baptist Church of Malabar. Richard used his home to house multiple rescued horses, that he took care of daily. Through Rescued Horses, Saved Kids he provided free access to horse riding for children and specifically focused on providing horses for use in hippotheraphy serving many children with autism.

Richard is survived by Valarie Whitworth, and his three daughters and their spouses; Laura and Shane Pulliam, Angie and Tom Maxwell, Jessica and James Beahn. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Mackenzie Maxwell, Sarah Pulliam, Thomas Maxwell, Wyatt Pulliam, Alyson Gibb, Mary Vincent Maxwell, Ethan Beahn, and Owen Beahn. He loved animals and was also survived by 3 horses, 2 goats, 2 fish and 1 cat.

The Homegoing Service will be held on September 26, 2021 at 2pm at the First Baptist Church of Malabar located at 1665 Malabar Rd. The viewing will be held from 1pm to the time of the service.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Angles Bridging Gaps. For information on how to donate, contact Jackie Yerbie at (631)-807-2974, [email protected].