A Pioneer Passes On

On April 9, 2006, just after midnight, J.G. Whitfield passed away at the age of 90. "Whit" was born in Santa Rosa County September 8, 1915 and then resided and worked in Pensacola, FL, until his death. His life was dedicated to singing and promoting Gospel music. His contributions to Southern Gospel music include the founding of the Florida Boys and the Dixie Echoes, assisting the formation of the Gospel Singing Jubilee, owning and operating the National Quartet Convention 1980-81 and founding its board of directors, founding the Singing News Magazine, promoting thousands of Southern Gospel concerts throughout the U.S. and much more.

For 27 years, he broadcast "The Pleezing Gospel Hour" on WPFA Radio for the Pleezing Grocery Store, 1980 North "T" Street. Whit and his wife Hazel owned and operated Pleezing Food Stores and Whit's Record Shop in Pensacola for many years.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 11, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm in the Whitfield Center of the Calvary Way Full Gospel Church, 100 Jones St., in Pensacola. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 12, at 10:00am at Calvary Way Full Gospel Church with Pastor Carl Shiver and Pastor Jim Diamond officiating.

"Whit" is survived by Hazel, his wife of 47 years, sons Guy and Johnny, daughter Maurine, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

You can read all you want to know about "Whit" at these following links.

Singing News.com
Dixie Echoes.com
Southern Gospel Music Association

Myself and "Whit" at the Suwannee River Jubilee, June 2005