Wayne Whitson
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Verse: 2 Timothy 4:7
Wayne Whitson, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Virginia Beach, VA on November 28, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family as he went to be with his Lord and Savior. Wayne was a former deacon and longtime member of Kempsville Presbyterian Church. He was an inspiration for his family until the end.
A native of Yancey County, NC, he grew up in Erwin, TN. Wayne was the second youngest of eight siblings.
“Big Wayne Whitson,” also known by family and friends as “The Wayner,” was an outstanding athlete and starred in football and basketball for Unicoi County High School. He also played football and basketball at Mars Hill College and golf at East Tennessee State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree. He later earned a Master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University. Wayne spent four years in the U.S. Navy, including service aboard the USS Coral Sea.
Wayne retired in 1993 after 32 years in the Norfolk Public School System as an elementary school P.E. teacher and assistant principal. He was a dedicated teacher and known for his outstanding tumbling clubs.
Wayne loved spending time with his family and friends. For many years at Easter, he performed as a disciple in the play “The Man Called Jesus.”
His favorite hobby was golf, and he enjoyed spending time with his “Blitz” buddies at Lake Wright Golf Course. He took pride in his yard and grew mountains of tomatoes and other vegetables each summer. Wayne also enjoyed watching the Washington Redskins, though some years were more enjoyable than others.
He was preceded in death by his father, Noah, and his mother, Fannie; brothers, Naff, Arnold, Hannum and his fraternal twin, Forest; and sisters, Edith Taylor and June Radford.
He is survived by Rebecca Dutton Whitson, his devoted wife of 48 years; daughter Amy Whitson Roberson of Richmond, VA, and her husband, Scott; son Brian Whitson of Williamsburg, VA, and his wife, Monet; grandchildren Morgan, Garrett, Jack and Sydney; sister Louise Reel of Asheville, NC.; brother-in-law James Dutton of Roanoke, VA, and his wife, Maggie; honorary brother Ellis Murphy of Erwin, TN, and his wife, Doris Jean; and many nieces and nephews.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Following Interment at 1p.m. at Rosewood Memorial Park, a celebration of life will be held at 2:30p.m. Friday, December 2, 2011 at Kempsville Presbyterian Church, 805 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road Virginia Beach.
Condolences can be made at altmeyer.com.
A great friend and teammate. Godspeed
John
Becky, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time in your life. Your friends in Gamma Pi have watched you fight the fight with Wayne and hold fast for a positive outcome. Wayne is free from pain and in a good place now. Remember that we are here for you.
Becky, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. Wayne was such a gentleman and a gentle man. He touched many lives in such a positive way. He will truly be missed. Thinking of you, Vickie and Bud
Becky, Thank you for sharing Wayne with us at ThyCa site. Wish I could have known Wayne and golfed with him. Maybe one day soon. May God comfort you and yours now and in the days to come. Dick
Brian & Monet,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Dear Brian and Monet, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. Please know that Jim and I are thinking of all you.
Dear Brian and Monet: Sue and I were profoundly saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing, but also consoled by the fact that is suffering is over, that he is with his Savior in pure peace and harmony. He sounded like an exceptional man in every way and we hope that the memories of just how exceptional he was will carry you through these difficult times, and indeed, all times. Your mom and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
MAY YOU HIT THE BALL LONG AND STRAIGHT ON THE BEAUTIFUL FAIRWAYS OF HEAVEN, HIT ALL THE GREENS AND MAKE ALL THE PUTTS. HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON. YOUR FRIEND, GERALD.
To the Whitson family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your heartache is much like my family right now.Our paths have been very similar recently.
I retired one year ago today from the VB School system to be with my husband, Ricky, who had terminal carcinoid liver cancer ten plus years.It will be a year of his death January 9th. He was 58 years old.
God Bless you as caregivers… because I was blessed in so many ways!
You were blessed to have had your husband, father,and grandfather for the amount of time you shared.
To help you remember me: Our portables were close by and burned at Windsor Oaks. I was in portable one- the special education teacher.
Whitson family,
I was skiming through my nephews yearbook from crossroads. Mr. Whitson was mentioned and brought back a lot of good memories. He was such a huge impression while I attended Crossroads in the early 1980’s. He walked those halls like a super hero. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m happy to know such a wonderful person. RIP Mr. Whitson from a crossroads student!