Richard Scot Whidden went to heaven on 27 June 2023, at his home in Sebring, Florida
surrounded by loving family. Rick was born on 1 December 1957 to Frank and Shirley Whidden
at Craig Air Force Base near Selma, Alabama. In 1973, Rick moved to Sebring along with his
mom and dad and two brothers just as his dad was completing his career with the US Air
Force.
In 1976 Rick graduated from Sebring High School and decided to pursue his interest in drafting
and completed a degree in drafting and technical drawing in Clearwater, Florida. Rick translated
his knowledge into a very successful lifelong career. He had a gift for taking people’s vision for a
home or commercial building, whether communicated verbally or on a napkin, and completing a
set of plans that could be built by local construction firms. If you travel around Highlands County
today you will pass hundreds of homes and businesses built to Rick’s plans.
In 1975, after a chance meeting, Rick took a risk and called Theresa Conway asking her for a
date. They have been lifelong soulmates ever since. Rick and Theresa married on 16
September 1978. In 1981 they welcomed their daughter Tania and in 1987 their son Darren.
Rick is survived by his wife Theresa; mother Shirley Whidden; children Tania and Andy Stoner,
Darren and Taylor Whidden; grandchildren Shelby and William Blount, Addie Stoner, AJ Stoner;
and brothers Jim and Diane Whidden and Jerry and Sherri Whidden. Rick is predeceased by his
father Frank Whidden. Rick loved his family beyond words and will always be remembered for his big heart.
He embraced life from an early age and had a passion for enjoying a wide range of activities. Rick
especially loved hunting, fishing, golf, skiing, travel and fine dining and was never shy about
planning opportunities for these activities with family and close friends who became chosen
family.
Rick, whether known as husband, son, dad, papa, brother, or friend will forever be missed and
always have a place in our hearts.
A visitation will be held Saturday, 1 July 2023 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at Morris Funeral Chapel.
Dress is casual.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s name to:
St Catherine’s Catholic School, 2835 Kenilworth Blvd., Sebring, FL 33870
or the National Rifle Association (nraringoffreedom.com).
Condolences may be expressed at www.morrisfuneralchapel.com
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