Danny Frank Whipple

Danny Frank Whipple, 91, of Land O Lakes, Florida, went to be with the Lord Thursday, August 28, 2025, and passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family. Danny was born on May 4, 1934, in Opa-locka, Florida, to the late Harry and Mazie (Earle) Whipple.

The youngest of five boys, including his identical twin, he grew up as the son of a preacher. He was a 1952 graduate of Miami Edison High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida State University in Tallahassee, in 1956. At FSU, he met his future bride, Nancy Lou Wise, from Jacksonville, and they married on November 9, 1956, at Avondale Baptist Church. They were blessed to be married 68 years.

Danny served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959, and afterward earned a master’s of church music degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Danny and Nancy, along with their growing family, lived in Minden, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; Greenville, South Carolina; and Orlando, Florida, while he served as a minister of music for over 40 years. In his last position, at College Park Baptist Church (now Church on the Drive) in Orlando, he led the music ministry for 23 years, and retired in 2000.

Danny loved the Lord and he loved music, and he found his calling in pursuing music ministry throughout the southeast. During the late 1970s, he directed and led a traveling contemporary Christian group known as Turning Point, giving college students the opportunity to share their faith and grow their musical passions. He also took many choirs and music groups to minister in the States and overseas, including Haiti, England, and Brazil.

Danny’s family was his greatest joy. He delighted in his children and grandchildren pursuing his love for music and Jesus. He came from a legacy of pastors and ministers, from his parents to his brothers, and he continued to build a legacy of music and worship leaders through his own family.

Danny was also a proud FSU alum, avid fan, and FSU dad. He loved his ‘Noles. He was an avid golfer for years, and still followed the tour on TV when he could not get out to play. He also loved books and spent many retirement hours reading and completing puzzles.

Danny is survived by his wife, Nancy Wise Whipple; his four children, Janis Whipple of Land O Lakes, Florida; Sharon (Allen) DiStefano of Land O Lakes, Florida; Greg (Chris Gregory) Whipple of Los Angeles, California; Karen (Raymond) Schnurr of Greer, South Carolina; his four grandchildren, Lauren (Christian) Delgado, Brittany (Mike) Durham, Jenna (Matt) Easterling, and Hadley Schnurr; and his seven great-grandchildren, Makayla, Micah, and Mateo Delgado, Harrison and Lincoln Durham, and Strider and Luna Easterling; along with his twin brother, David (Claire) Whipple, of Jacksonville, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Church on the Drive, 1914 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, Florida, 32804, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Danny’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.