Harry Whyte Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by John F. Givnish Funeral Home - Buckingham on Apr. 2, 2025.

Pastor Harry David Whyte
Harry David Whyte, beloved husband, devoted pastor, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, entered the presence of his Savior after a life well lived and richly blessed. Born on January 29, 1947, Harry's life was marked by unwavering faith, warm hospitality, and a heart that sought to glorify God in all things.
Harry graduated from Bensalem High School and pursued biblical studies at the Philadelphia College of the Bible. He proudly served his country in the United States Army including one year in Vietnam. After his service, Harry worked for Denny Electric Supply Company, managing multiple locations until he retired to enter full-time ministry.
Harry was ordained on May 5, 1995, at Grace Independent Baptist Church in Penndel, Pennsylvania, though his pastoral ministry had already begun a year earlier when he became the founding pastor of More-View Bible Church in Newtown, PA. He shepherded that congregation faithfully until its merger with Pineville Chapel and forming Pineville Independent Bible Church in 2014. He continued pastoring at Pineville until his passing, never wavering in his dedication to preaching the Word and caring for his flock.
On August 13, 1977, Harry married the love of his life, Priscilla E. Moore. For 47 years, they shared a life of devotion to God and to one another. Their home was a place of ministry, encouragement, and joy. Together, they hosted church gatherings filled with laughter, prayer, and memories, especially their beloved July 4th picnics, complete with a very earnest (though friendly) game of volleyball, and autumn get-togethers with buggy rides through the fields and fireside hot dogs and marshmallows.
Harry had a gift for music, particularly the bagpipes, which was a family tradition. Living on a quiet farm that overlooked fields and woods, he often played from his back deck, delighting friends and family. Even his dog Esther enjoyed the pipes returning home if she was out on an adventure. He even brought the bagpipes on trips to the ocean, playing along the shore and bringing joy and wonder to those nearby.
He was also a skilled tennis and ping-pong player, and while he didn't have a green thumb himself, he loved supporting Priscilla's floral entries at the Grange Fair, where her arrangements won numerous ribbons-often with Harry's help trimming and preparing the displays.
One of the most defining characteristics of Harry's life was his commitment to sharing the gospel. For more than four decades, he was rarely seen without gospel tracts tucked into his front shirt pocket. Whether it was a passerby in a parking lot or a visitor at his home, Harry was always ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It's hard to imagine anyone leaving his house without a tract in hand and a thoughtful word of spiritual encouragement.
His passion for evangelism extended to public outreach efforts as well. Each year, Harry and Priscilla-along with others from their church-faithfully staffed a booth at the Grange Fair, ensuring that everyone who passed by had the opportunity to hear the gospel. They also made a tradition of attending the Washington Crossing of the Delaware reenactment each Christmas, joyfully passing out tracts and talking with attendees-until, on occasion, they were politely asked to leave by park officials, which Harry always did with a cheerful and gracious spirit.
He loved writing poems and songs, often setting new gospel-focused lyrics to familiar tunes and sharing them with others. His creativity always pointed back to the Savior he loved. In Harry's life, the ministry was never a job, it was simply who he was.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Priscilla (Moore) Whyte; his sister, Barbara Shicks, who led him to Christ many years ago; and his sister-in-law, Helen Smith and her husband Monroe.
Harry was dearly loved by many nieces and nephews, including the children of his brother Alexander - Grace Whyte Collins (Matt) and her brothers Keith and Jason; children of his sister Barbara - Sam (Shelly), Sarah, Stephen (Natalie), and Stewart; and children of his brother William - Tammy Whyte Kabachian (Robert), Bonnie, Bill, Jodi, and Brian (Jessica).
He is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews. His life touched a wide circle of loved ones who remember his faith and his kindness.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Alexander and William and his parents Alexander Whyte and Adaline (Young) Whyte.
Harry's legacy is one of deep devotion-to Christ, to his church family, and to his loved ones. Whether preaching, playing the bagpipes, handing out tracts, or quietly supporting others behind the scenes, he exemplified the grace and love of his Savior. His life was a sermon lived out every day.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry's name may be made to: Pineville Independent Church, 16 Pine Lane, PO Box 173, Pineville, PA 18946