James Rudolph Whiteside was born on April 18th, 1936, in Shannon Mississippi to Gerald and Virginia Whiteside. At the age of eight years, he and his parents relocated to Wilson, Arkansas where his dad became a master mechanic and his mom a US Postal worker. Rudy grew up in Wilson doing the usual boy things such as getting in trouble at school, riding that motorcycle in the wrong places, and taking that favorite girl to the Peabody Hotel to dance away the night. He was blessed to have a sister Ann born when he was twelve. Many wonderful times were spent as she grew, and they could go swimming down on the banks of that big Mississippi River. Rudy attended ASU in Jonesboro from 1955 to 1959 where he obtained a degree in Agriculture science and met and married his wife June. They moved on to a community called Pleasant Plains, Arkansas and taught Agri and science for nine years. This was also the place where those two wonderful sons came to them, Jim and Terry. In 1968, Rudy had finished his master’s degree as a Counselor and the family moved to De Valls Bluff where Rudy was a Counselor in the school for twenty one years. Later, Rudy decided to study further getting the 30 hours above a masters. He then went on to Lonoke School system for nine years as an Educational Examiner, retiring in 1998. Rudolph has been a devoted Methodist since he joined the Church when he was twelve years old. He has done many jobs within the church such as teacher, choir member, lay leader and janitor. Rudy was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Rudy is preceded in death by grandparents Mullens and Whitesides; Gerold and Virginia Whiteside and many aunts and uncles. Rudy leaves to love his memory, his wife June; sister Victory Ann; Son, Jimmy, (Tammy), Son, Terry, (Bridget); special cousin Sis and two grandsons Tyler and Cody.
The family wishes to give special thanks to those Angels that work at Chambers Nursing Home who listened to the same travel stories over and over. Service will be held Thursday, September 19th, at the DeValls Bluff Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM and funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at the Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas.
If anyone wishes to send a memorial these are the ones the family prefers:
Arkansas Children’s Hospital, PO Box 2222 Little Rock Arkansas 72203
Arkansas Hospices Foundation, 14 Park Stone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116
Oakland Cemetery, PO Box 42, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas 72041
Jimmy and Tammy,
We are praying for you and your family.
With our love and deepest sympathy,
Bill and Pam Berry
Thank you so much Pam and Bill. Our family has been surrounded by prayers and love this last three days. God will help us to get through tough day tomorrow. Again – Thank You.
Thank you so much Pam and Bill. Our family has been surrounded by prayers and love this last three days. God will help us to get through tough day tomorrow. Again – Thank You.
My thoughts and prayers for the family as I remember Mr Rudolph’s dedication to education when I attended School at DeValls Bluff.
Dale Leder
Mrs June , Terry & Jimmy my prayers are with you all. I loved getting to visit with Mr Rudolph when he came in the dairy bar. I pray for Gods comfort for all of you and for the Lord to wrap each of you in his loving arms in the coming days .
Prayers will continue.
Love to you all,
Jennifer Adams Morris
Ms.June ,Jimmy and Terry You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God keep you in his arms and give you comfort in the days to come.
As an extraordinary man in many ways, Mr . Whiteside left an enduring legacy that will be dearly cherished by all those who knew him. I enjoyed working with him from 1972 to 1978 at DeValls Bluff High School. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor underneath his serious exterior.
We pray that God’ Word and His Holy Spirit ( the “Comforter”) will provide strength, comfort, and assurance to this dear family and many friends.
Billy and Gail Booth