Reuben Willhite of Sunnyvale, California passed away July 4, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. He was 81 years of age and born in Paris, Arkansas December 14, 1944. Reuben came to California in 1963 and went to work for Lockheed Martin where he worked for almost 40 years. He served in the Marine Corps for 3 years and did 3 tours in Vietnam. He was "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". He was a lifetime member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 201, lifetime member of American Legion Post 419 and a lifetime member of a VFW group in San Jose. He was married to Oleta Willhite for 56 years and they resided in Sunnyvale, Ca.

He supported many Veteran groups, school and church groups and also his local neighborhood group. Two of his greatest pleasures was working with and supporting the South Bay Blue Star Moms and the Adopt a Military Mom Luncheon which included Moms of those in the Service and Gold Star Moms. When possible, he loved traveling to visit both our families and/or having them here.

In his younger years he played on many softball teams at work, church and with friends. He was a fisherman and duck hunter as long as he could get around. He especially enjoyed belonging to a duck club in the latter years. When he could no longer hunt or fish, he watched a lot of each on television along with Westerns and many outdoor shows.

Reuben is preceded in death by his parents, Joshua Willhite and Myrtle Willhite, 3 brothers: Samuel Willhite, Andy Willhite and Phillip Willhite, all of Arkansas and a sister Shirley Shearer of Arizona. Reuben is survived by his brothers Joshua Willhite, George Willhite and David Willhite of Arkansas, and Leon Willhite of Arizona. He also has two surviving sisters: Elizabeth Smith of Oklahoma and Nona DeLoach of Florida.

Reuben will be buried in Merced, California at a later date. There will be some service at that time.