Rev. Dr. James Raymond Whitfield

Rev. Dr. James Raymond Whitfield, age 79, of Marion, North Carolina, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on February 17, 1946 to the late Robert Broughton Whitfield and Lois Massey Whitfield.

Dr. Whitfield was a graduate of Fruitland Baptist Bible College. He later obtained a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Covington Theological Seminary. He served as Pastor in churches in several states including: Old Shallote Baptist Church in Shallotte, North Carolina, Rocky Springs Baptist Church in Collettsville, North Carolina, Gibtown Baptist Church in Gibtown, Texas, Highland Avenue Baptist Church in Charleston, West Virginia, Big Springs Baptist Church in Ellenboro, North Carolina, First Baptist Church in Nebo, North Carolina, Outreach Baptist Church in Nebo, North Carolina, and Turkey Creek Baptist Church in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina.

Dr. Whitfield served as a Professor at Fruitland Baptist Bible College for 38 years where he taught over 5,000 students. He also served for many years as a fulltime revivalist. Aside from his ministerial work, he enjoyed being outside. He was a talented gardener, wood-worker, and builder. He was instrumental in the building of the home his family has shared for over 40 years. Dr. Whitfield will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and brother, but most of all for his love for the Lord who he faithfully served.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Robbie Beaver, and a brother, Joel Whitfield.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Marie Grant Whitfield; two sons, Kevin Whitfield (Christy) and Brian Whitfield (Beth); and one sister, Judy Ann Hicks (Eric).

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Cross Memorial Baptist Church, 15 Cross Memorial Baptist Church Loop, in Marion, North Carolina. The funeral service will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the church with interment to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to Fruitland Baptist Bible College at https://fruitland.populiweb.com/router/donate Please select “General Donations,” enter the amount, and press ‘continue.’ Enter “Dr. Raymond Whitfield” in the comments section of the next screen.