Dr. Daniel Brent Whitworth — beloved partner, son, friend, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson — passed away on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at the age of 43. Born in Canyon, Texas, Whitworth attended Amarillo schools and was valedictorian of his class at Caprock High School in Amarillo. In 1991, he graduated from Rice University and embarked on a career in the retail industry. After several years as a buyer for Foley’s, Brent realized his true calling had been to become a physician, an aspiration he had drifted away from during college. Seeing many friends sick and suffering, he chose to be part of the solution.
Whitworth attended the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, from which he graduated in 2002. After completing his residency in internal medicine at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, he went into private practice and proudly built his own practice, Dallas Medical, with his friend Dr. Sue Royappa. Whitworth truly loved caring for his patients. Whitworth believed that by taking the time to listen and to treat his patients with the respect and dignity they deserve, he was offering the highest quality of care and concern a doctor should give.
In March 2011, Whitworth was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. He continued to work and see patients until it became clear that he needed to focus on his health. Selling his medical practice was the most difficult decision of his life, as being a physician and caring for his patients meant the world to him.
During his illness, Whitworth renewed his faith and became part of a precious church community. His love of Jesus and his unwavering commitment to studying and sharing God’s word inspired untold numbers of people in the last 19 months. Whitworth rediscovered a love of gardening that began as a child in Amarillo, cultivating a backyard haven of plants and flowers that is truly amazing in its beauty and serenity.
Whitworth’s great love was his partner of over 15 years, Bill Robertson. Whitworth and Robertson shared a loving circle of family, friends, travel, and a passion for art and design. Together, they lived a full and happy life, generously sharing with all of their families and friends, traveling and hosting gatherings. Some of Brent’s favorite destinations were Italy, Mexico, California and the Caribbean.
Whitworth is survived by his true love and partner, Robertson; his devoted parents, Denver and Sandra Whitworth; his brother, Tony Whitworth; his sister, Shana Deering; his grandparents, Wallace and Dortha Whitworth; and his in-laws, including Bill and Mary Robertson, Becky and Jeff Battershell, and Kirk and Billie Robertson. Whitworth was adored by a loving extended family of many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He also left his three pets with whom he shared much joy over the years. Additionally, Whitworth was blessed with deep, rich friendships and his church family from Crossroads Community Church.
The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, 3014 Oak Lawn Ave.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kidney Cancer Association, Community Hospice of Texas or Crossroads Community Church.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition October 5, 2012.