John Clifton Whisnant, Jr

J. C. Whisnant, 87, of Little Rock, passed away on February 24, 2008 at Arkansas Hospice Center, 5 days after his 87th birthday. He was born on February 19, 1921, in Little Rock, to John Clifton and Zula Page Whisnant.

Mr. Whisnant attended public schools in Little Rock, graduating in 1938 from Little Rock High School (now Central High). Upon graduation, he proudly served our country during World War II as a member of the U. S. Coast Guard. After returning from the war, he received a degree from the University of Arkansas in 1948.

J. C. as he was known to all, began a career in real estate in the early 1950's. He was instrumental in selling numerous homes in the then "new" subdivision of Meadowcliff, and chose to make the area his family's home for many years. J.C. later joined Block Reality Company, a family owned and operated company with over 50 years of success in the real estate industry. He served as Block's Sales Manager and later became the company President, achieving a position that had never been held by anyone outside the Block family. His association with the company lasted over 20 years, and during his tenure, Block Reality became the largest residential real estate company in Arkansas. He was well loved and respected by all with whom he worked, as both a leader and a friend. The members of Block Reality were truly a family and J. C. enjoyed attending the various reunions throughout the years, along with his wife, Jerri, who had also worked for the company.

Mr. Whisnant gained recognition throughout Arkansas as an outstanding Real Estate Broker, earning many awards and designation during his career, including CCIM and CRB. He was named Realtor of the Year in 1983 and served as President of the Arkansas Realtors Association. After serving for three years on the Arkansas Real Estate Commission, he was instrumental in the creation of the Arkansas Real Estate Foundation, and spent the next decade serving as its first Director. He was passionate about his work as an Optimist and was a member of The Optimist Club of Greater Little Rock for 50 years, serving as its President at one time. J.C. was a "people-person" and those around him always felt his warmth, kindness and compassion.