David Ridge Wilhite was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Jr. and Emma Lou Wilhite, and his brothers, Virgil III (“Snookie”) and Richard Wilhite.

David is survived by his wife, Sheila. Children: David Lee (Michelle), Sheril (Ronnie), Shannon (Mike), Joshua (Autumn). Grandchildren: Crista (Jake), Bren (Ash), Hailey (Austin), Courtney (Cole), Joah, Riley, Alex, Kyleigh, Emma, Addison & Laurabelle. Great grandchildren: Charlotte, Carter, Conn Conner, Cross.

David Ridge was born in Mt.Pleasant, TN, to Virgil and Emma Wilhite. As the son of a career military man and WW2 veteran, he lived in many different places, including several states as well as overseas in Okinawa and England, experiences that shaped his early life and perspective.

After graduating high school in Clearfield, Utah, David began his military career serving in the army. His first deployment was as a driver of the M-60 tank in Berlin. Next, he did a tour of duty in Vietnam as a motion picture photographer with the role of documenting the conflict with the 221st Signal Company. Upon returning to the U.S., he married Shelia Hill. Together, they built a family that included four children, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Shortly after his marriage, he exited the Army and attended Columbia state. After some time at Columbia State, he entered the Air force as a Motion Picture photographer in various deployments until the unit was disbanded in the late 70’s. He then switched to communications and stayed in that role until his retirement in 1986. After military retirement, David continued to work in the fields of carpentry and construction.

Above all, David was a devoted believer in Jesus Christ, boldly professing his faith and his belief that Christ is the only way to salvation. He faithfully served as a deacon in his local church, participated in ministry through Faith Riders, and contributed to disaster response efforts. He was known for his generous spirit and his willingness to give to others, often beyond what he had.

A service for David will be Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Williams Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, with Matthew Beard officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12:30 to the start of the service at Williams Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee. David will be laid to rest at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com.