John Clifton Whitley, age 66, of Friendship, passed from this life on Tuesday February 9, 2021, at his home. He was born on October 31, 1954, in Nashville, TN, the son of the late John Sutton and Judith Owen Whitley.  John was a retired jockey after having raced in several states across the country including Oaklawn.  He was Catholic and a member of St. Mary's Parrish in Glens Falls, NY.  John enjoyed scuba diving and was a master chef.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and one half brother, John Clinton Whitley.

Survivors are his wife, Dixie Whitley of Arkadelphia, one step-daughter, Paige Williams of Arkadelphia, two step-sons, John Evans of San Diego, CA and Joshua Whitley of Guntersville, AL, one sister, Holly Armstrong of Fairview, TN, and two very special friends and care givers, Billy and Lindsay McIntosh of Friendship.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorials can be made to the St Jude's Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.