Wesley Whitmore, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born September 21, 1953, in Ashdown, Arkansas, to Obie and Roberta Whitmore.
Wesley was raised with strong values of community and togetherness. He joined Elizabeth Academy Baptist Church at a young age, where those roots took hold and shaped the man he would become. He graduated from Ashdown High School and later attended the University of Arkansas, majoring in Agriculture — a pursuit that reflected his hardworking, grounded spirit.
Wesley was preceded in death by his beloved parents; three brothers: Onis, William, and Jack; and one sister, Onetta.
In 1982, Wesley married the love of his life, Margie Whitmore. Over 43 blessed years together, they built a life centered around love, family, and fun — a partnership that was the cornerstone of everything he held dear.
Wesley was a man who fed both body and soul. As the proud owner of the beloved Wes’ BBQ/Burger Plus for 40 years — the oldest Black-owned business in Fayetteville — he had a gift for gathering people around the table, much like he gathered them around his heart. He carried a grateful heart and a warm sense of humor that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He also loved sports and music, and was a fan of the Celtics, the Raiders, and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
He is survived by: his wife, Margie Whitmore; his daughter, Karen Johnson (Dorian); his son, Dewayne Whitmore; his sisters, Beverly Jones (Carlton) of Texarkana, AR, and Bobbie Nash (Eugene) of Fayetteville, AR; his brothers, Otis Whitmore (Bonnie) of Dallas, TX, Roger Whitmore (Rhonda) of Horatio, AR, Obie Whitmore Jr. (Marie), Leslie Whitmore, Robert Whitmore, and Manuel Whitmore (Clarice), all of Fayetteville, AR; his devoted niece, Keisha Newberry (Allen) of Lowell; and his beloved grandchildren, Jevin Johnson, Emerie Johnson, and Zane Johnson.
He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of relatives and friends whose lives were made richer for having known him.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
A repast will be held immediately following the service at: St James Missionary Baptist Church, 764 W North St, Fayetteville, 72701.
My Prayers and condolences..
My Deepest condolences to the Family. Prayers for all.
My condolences and prayers to the family of Wes. Known Wes for more than 50 years. On the business side, he would graciously work with you to meet your budget for large functions with his services. The UA Black Alumni Reunions benefitted from his services for many years.
My condolences and love to the family.