Biography: William Alvin “Bill” Whitworth died March 8, 2024, in Conway. He was 87. Born in Hot Springs and raised in Little Rock, Bill discovered in childhood his entwined passions for music and literature. In elementary school, he developed the eye and ear for language that would serve him so well in his career as a writer and editor; at Little Rock Central High School, he played trumpet in the orchestra and marching band, which would earn him a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he obtained a degree in English with a minor in philosophy.

After graduating from college, he went to work for the Arkansas Gazette, beginning a journalism career that would take him to the New York Herald Tribune, the New Yorker, and the Atlantic Monthly. During his 20-year tenure at the Atlantic, he reinvigorated the venerable publication, along the way earning nine National Magazine Awards. Between his time there and at the New Yorker, he met, worked with, or launched the careers of many of America’s best-known writers.

Upon retirement in 1999, Bill moved back to his hometown of Little Rock, where, as a sought-after editor, he continued to edit books, journals, articles, and other works that his friends and colleagues passed his way. In his later years, Bill became a passionate advocate for animal rights, expressed primarily through his zealous veganism. He will be remembered—and missed—not only as an exceptional wordsmith, but as a kind and generous person, someone who always had time and resources to share with anyone in want or need.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Cecil and Lois (McNabb) Whitworth; his wife, Carolyn; and his son, Matthew. He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Whitworth Stewart (Shea); a half brother, Brooks (Nancy), and a half-sister, Sharon Persichitti; and sister-in-law, Sandra Hubbard.

A celebration of his life will take place Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m., in the Garden Room of the Clinton Presidential Center. In lieu of flowers, donations in memoriam to a favorite humanitarian or animal rescue organization would be appreciated. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com