Gerald E. "Jerry" Whitman, 54, lost his long battle with cancer, died peacefully at the Hospice Center in Wilmington, and went to be with our Lord (on Wednesday, December 14, 2011), about 8:15 pm, surrounded by his wife Barbara Whitman, (holding his hand) and his 3 children.
Mr. Whitman was born May 3, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Edward R. Whitman and Mary (Georgina) Whitman. Mr. Whitman served honorably in the U.S. Navy and then went on to spend the past 25 years in the commercial nuclear business, where he spent the last 13 years working for AREVA. His latest assignment was as the AREVA Site Alliance Manager for the Brunswick Nuclear Plant, which provided him the opportunity to move to Southport from Lynchburg, Virginia. He loved boating, kayaking, fishing and anything to do with the coast, ocean and marsh. He always wanted to retire on the coast and was extremely grateful for the opportunity to spend his last 2 years in this area. He may not have been a native of the area, but he got here as quick as he could. Jerry was also a member of Morgan's Baptist Church in Moneta, Virginia. Jerry is survived by his loving wife Barbara Whitman of Southport; Three wonderful children – Lindsey Whitman of Wilmington, NC, Erin Whitman of Richmond, VA, and Gregory Whitman of Lynchburg, VA; His devoted Parents – Edward Whitman and Mary (Georgina) Whitman of Summerville, FL; one brother – Ed Whitman of Fort Lauderdale, FL; two sisters – Susan Jaron of Clinton Township, MI, and Mickey Sanders of Montague, MI; two nieces – Amber Davis of Sterling Heights, MI, and Brandi Whitaker of Clinton Township, MI; one nephew – Douglas Whitman of Kalamazoo, MI; and dearest life-long friend John Krobock of Roseville, MI.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg. VA January 14, 2012, Saturday, at 1:00 pm. Family and friends will be received prior to and after the service to celebrate Jerry's life and share memories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Morgan's Baptist Church, P.O. Box 477, Moneta, VA 24121 or caringbridge.org/jerrywhitman.
Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory of Lynchburg, VA, is assisting the family, 434 237-9424.