I said yesterday that I wasn’t going to write this story, but I can’t say nothing.
Whit Jones has died. He was formerly my editor when I wrote a column for the (then) Benton Courier. According to the Pulaski County Coroner report, he died in his home in Little Rock on Thursday morning, January 21, 2016.
The reason I was hesitant to write this is because it’s a story for the Courier to write. And they will. According to Lynda Hollenbeck at the newspaper, they ran a death notice today, because that’s what the family wanted, but at some point in the week, they’ll publish a proper obituary. I suggest you go pick up a newspaper then. They are likely to post on social media what day to find it.
And then on Sunday, January 31st, pick up another paper to read a column by David Hughes as another tribute.
I’ll just say that Whit, with the gruff voice of an old truck struggling to turn over the engine, was the grumpiest person I knew – but with the smarts and clever sense of humor that took the edge off it so that everyone loved him. Goodbye old friend.
Political forum put on in 2006 by the Benton Courier at the Royal Theatre. Pictured left to right are Lynda Hollenbeck (reporting), Rex Nelson (moderating), mayor candidate Mitch McDonald, Whit Jones (hosting), incumbent Mayor Rick Holland, and mayor candidate Don White.