William Henry ‘Bill’ Whitten
William Henry “Bill” Whitten has finally caught up with his TO-Do list! He passed away on July 30. Billy was born in Jasper County on September 5, 1931 and was educated in Jasper County schools.
After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force. He married Julia Johnston on his birthday in 1953. He came home for the weekend, they were married at Calvary Methodist Church in Shady Dale., and Julia went back with him to Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, Ohio. While living in 10 different states all over the U.S.A. and Hawaii, they raised three children, Bill, Jr., Debbie, and Ricky.
While serving 27 years active duty, spanning the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, two air medals, and nine other accommodations. Billy attained the highest rank an enlisted man can get, Chief Master Sergeant. He also served as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the commander of the Ninth Air Force. He attended night school and earned a two-year Associates degree.
Billy retired from the Air Force in 1977, but he never really retired. He worked 14 years in Civil Service at Robins Air Force base where he was a Program Manager for the C-130 aircraft systems. After his second retirement he continued to run a farm with over 100 head of Black Angus beef cattle, and a custom hay baling operation. He just sold his cows at the beginning of summer.
As a Mason, Bill was raised to the degree of Master Mason on June 26, 1963, and remained a Master Mason for 60 years. He served as Worshipful Master of Jasper Lodge #50 in 1984, and was Lodge Chaplain for many years. One highlight was his work and support of the Shady Dale rodeo since its inception.
He also served on the Board of Directors on several agricultural and environmental organizations.
His dedication to the community showed in his many years as a volunteer firefighter and First Responder. His call sign was 511. 511 is now en route.
Bill was a faithful member, Sunday school teacher, and Elder of Smithboro Baptist Church. He was a Gideon, and a mentor to numerous people in the community. Many of you have baled hay with him.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Julia, son, Bill, Jr., three sisters, Frances Garrard, Sara Mahon, and Betty Jean Johnston, and two brothers, John Simeon Whitten, Jr. and Richard Whitten.
He is survived by a daughter, Debbie Waggoner of Orange City, Fla. and a son, Rick Whitten, also of Orange City, Fla, also four grandchildren, Tyler Whitten, Gary Adair, Amy Adair, and Alicia Zalewski, and four great-grandchildren, Hannah Brownlee, Hallee Brownlee, Karissa Sibley, and Dominic Whitten. In addition he had several nieces and nephews too numerous to list.
Mr. Billy was loved by all and will be greatly missed.