Aaron Van Wilhite

Aaron Van Wilhite, 53, of Melbourne, passed away on April 2, 2024. The viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 1:30 - 2:30PM at Eastwind Pentecostal Church. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:30PM.

Eastwind Pentecostal Church
1021 Emerson Drive NE
Palm Bay, Florida 32907
(321) 723-2030

With profound sorrow, we the family announce the passing of Aaron Van Wilhite, a beloved member of the Melbourne, FL community. Aaron departed this life on April 2, 2024, at the age of 53. He was born in Fontana, CA to Sylvia Davis, née Bailey (Wilhite) and Ulysses Van Wilhite of San Bernardino, CA. Aaron shared a deep and enduring love with his late wife, Keeba Kristine Wilhite, who preceded him in death in 2007. Left to cherish his memory are his cherished daughter, Savanna Kristine Wilhite; father and mother in-law, Henry and Margaret Suttles; siblings, Toccara Davis, Rulon Davis (Sela Davis), Ayriana Flowers (Justin Flowers), VaNieva Wilhite, and Avea Richards (Deshawn Richards), along with numerous adoring nieces and nephews. Aaron was preceded in death by his stepfather, Lorenzo Davis; uncle, Michael Austin Bailey; grandfather, Ulysses Grant Wilhite; grandmother, Eola Wilhite of San Bernardino, CA; grandfather, Earl Franklin and grandmother, Billie Jo Johnson Bailey of San Bernardino, CA.

Aaron's journey began at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Diego, CA, where he made an indelible mark on the basketball court, earning the nickname "A-Train" for his unstoppable presence. His talent and determination were unparalleled, exemplified by setting a section record with 39 rebounds in a single game. High school coach Ron Loneski once described Aaron as the epitome of an over-achiever, an accolade earned through sheer dedication and skill. Alongside his close friend and teammate Joe Temple, Aaron concluded his high school career as the CIF 2-A “Player of the Year,” boasting an impressive average of 24 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Aaron's basketball journey continued with a scholarship to Cal State Fullerton, where he shared the court with his longtime friend and teammate Bruce Bowen under the guidance of Coach John Sneed. Later, he pursued his passion for education, graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in Business Administration. For 25 years, Aaron dedicated himself to the medical industry, specializing in pain management and eventually establishing his own successful phlebotomy business.

A man of unwavering faith, Aaron found solace and community at Eastwind Pentecostal Church, where he actively served for over two decades. He was not only a pillar of faith but also a devoted father, dedicating his life to the success and development of his daughter Savanna, who achieved a volleyball scholarship to Webber International University.

Friends and relatives are invited to pay their respects at Aaron's viewing at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Eastwind Pentecostal Church, followed by a funeral mass at 2:30 PM. The interment will take place at Fountainhead Memorial Park in Palm Bay, FL at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic in memory of Aaron Van Wilhite. Contributions can be made online or mailed to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, in Rochester, MN.

Aaron's legacy of love, faith, and dedication will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.