Meryl O. Willhite

Meryl O. Willhite Royalston – Meryl O. Willhite, 89, of 40 North Fitzwilliam Road, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 27, 2012.          Meryl was born in Belva, Oklahoma on April 28, 1923, the son of Noah and Jenny (Oakley) Willhite.  He grew up in Missouri, later moving to Boston, and for the past 46 years has resided in Royalston.    Meryl was a self-employed contractor for over 60 years, and was admired and known for his ethic of hard work that continued right up until his death.        He was an avid horseshoe player, competing in many tournaments throughout the years, winning many trophies, and also enjoyed bowling.  His Christianity and love for his Lord and his family were the most important parts of his life.   Meryl was known as a kind and gentle man and was loved and respected by all those that he came into contact with.      He leaves his wife of 59 years, Marie A. (Coderre) Willhite; his children, Janet and Kimberley Willhite, both of Athol, Linda Willhite of Worcester, Mark Willhite of Charleton, ME, and Kelley Rigopoulos and her husband Steve of Athol; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  He also leaves a brother, Enis Willhite of Royalston; three sisters, Cherry of CO, Pearl of CA and Joy of MO; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Mitchell of Athol , many nieces and nephews and his pastor and friends, Dick and Sherrill Noel.  He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Danielle Miller, two brothers, Victor and James Willhite, a sister, Juanita Seward and sister-in-law, Barbara Willhite.      A graveside service will be held Friday, June 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Jonas Alliene Cemetery in Royalston with pastors Dick and Sherrill Noel officiating.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });