Houston Wayne Whitfield

Houston Wayne Whitfield, lifelong resident of Wewahitchka, passed away in Panama City, Florida, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the age of 78 after a brief illness. Born on May 1, 1948, in Gulf County, Florida, he lived a life marked by service, devotion to family, and deep ties to his community.

Houston dedicated much of his life to caring for others. He served as a firefighter with the Wewahitchka Volunteer Fire Department for more than fifty years, worked as a paramedic, and retired as the EMS Director for Gulf County. In 1975, he was a founding member of the Wewahitchka Ambulance Service, helping build a lasting foundation of emergency care for the area. He also served on the board of directors for Emerald Coast Credit Union. His life’s work reflected the kind of man he was: a selfless servant who never wanted credit for what he did.

He graduated from high school and went on to earn an associate degree from Gulf Coast Community College. He was also proud to be a member of the Gulf County Rifle Club, where he participated in competition shooting and won many events. A longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Wewahitchka, Houston served faithfully as a trustee, giving of his time and effort to the church he loved.

Outside of work and service, Houston found joy in many pursuits. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, hunting, and growing a beautiful garden. He took pride in keeping his own grass cut and in helping others in the community by cutting theirs as well. He loved old antique cars, enjoyed tinkering with them, and built a notable collection of cars and trucks over the years. Car shows were among his favorite outings. Above all, he looked forward to time with family gathered around a good meal. He also loved traveling throughout the United States with his beloved wife, Linda, and together they shared countless trips and memories.

His family was at the center of his life. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Linda Whitfield. He also leaves behind his daughter, Heather Barry, and son-in-law, Andrew Barry, of Woodstock, Georgia; his son, Beau Whitfield, and daughter-in-law, Shanna Whitfield, of Wewahitchka, Florida; and his bonus mom, Nadine Whitfield, of Wewahitchka. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Forehand, and brother-in-law, Ira Forehand, of Wewahitchka; his brother-in-law, Jimmy Roberts, and sister-in-law, Barbie Roberts, of Tennessee; and his sister-in-law, Judy Smith, and brother-in-law, Keith Smith, of Tennessee.

Houston was a proud grandfather and will be dearly missed by Colin Barry, Will Barry, Austin Carnes, Lindsay Carnes, and Marshall Whitfield. The love he gave his family, the example he set through hard work and quiet generosity, and the many memories he created with them will remain a lasting gift.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Whitfield, and his mother, Doris Stephens Whitfield.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Central Time at the First United Methodist Church of Wewahitchka with a funeral service, Celebrating a Life Well Lived, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Burial will follow at Pleasant Rest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ascension Sacred Heart Medical Oncology Group https://support.givesacredheart.org/campaign/729155/donate.

Houston Wayne Whitfield will be remembered for his humble spirit, his steady service, and the care he gave so freely to his family, his church, and his community. His was a life well lived, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.