Thomas B. “Babe” Whittington SR, 79 of Smithers went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 19, 2011 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. He was born May 2 1931 in Grimms Landing, Mason County to the late Larry Thomas “Pete” and Grace Oldaker Whittington.
Thomas was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served during the Korean War. He coached the Hawks and Marathon Little League Baseball teams in the 1960s, was a member of The Boomer Baptist Church and was retired from Elkem Metals with over 37 years service.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, James Burt, Herman, Bobby and Charles Whittington; also a Marine Buddy John Scott.
Surviving are his wife of over 58 years Betty Jo Walker Whittington; sons, Thomas B. Whittington, Jr and wife Suzanne of Smithers, Terry L. Whittington, Sr and wife Kathy of Smithers; grand children Tara Redman and Husband Craig of Kimberly, Terry L. Whittington, Jr. and wife Melanie of Montgomery, Brian Whittington and wife Amanda of Smithers, Travis, Tyler, and Alison Woody all of Smithers; great-grandsons Ethan Zachary Redman of Kimberly who was his BEST BUDDY and who he babysat for seven and one half years, Anthony Manley of Powellton, WV, A. J. & Tristan Keen of Smithers; sisters Drema Stewart and husband Charles of Arbuckle WV, Charlotte Goode of Montgomery, brother in law Henry “Sonny” Walker and wife Deloris of Glasgow and many nieces, nephews cousins and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Harry Duncan, & Staff, Dr. Arun Nagarajan, & Staff & Dr. R.E Hamrick Jr. & Staff for the excellent care given Tommy during his illness, also the Hospice staff Debbie ,Charlotte, Jenny, Pat & Sandy and Nurse Robin in SICU.
Service will be 1:00 PM Saturday January 22, 2011 at Boomer Baptist Church, Boomer, WV with Deacon David West and Pastor James Neeson, Officiating. Burial will follow in Montgomery Memorial Park with Graveside rites by the USMC Honor Guard. Friends may call from 6-9 Friday at O’Dell Funeral Home Montgomery.
“God Saw you getting Tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me.” A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands now rest, God’s garden must be beautiful, He only Takes the best.”
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Boomer Christian Academy P.O. Box 446 Boomer, WV 25031.