Samuel Edward Whitehurst, 89, of Panama City, FL and Franklin, NC, passed away on November 29, 2013.
Born in the St. Andrews section of Panama City, FL, he was the son of the late William Wesley Whitehurst and Ollie Mae Bazzell Whitehurst. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin daughters at birth and later two daughters, Dayna Boone and Kay Whitehurst and also a brother, Billy Whitehurst.
He was a World War II Veteran, having fought in the Western Pacific Campaign, while serving in the Army Air Corp. He flew 27 combat missions as the ball turret gunner on a B-24 named "Tricky Mickey".
He worked most of his 30 year career in the Civil Service, at the Navy Base in Panama City. He belonged to the Oakland Terrace Men's Club and the Watauga Vista Homeowner's Association, serving as President in both associations. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Clara Williams Whitehurst; two daughters, Beth Whitehurst and Sue Ralph, her husband Joe Ralph; son-in-law, Jim Boone; two step-sons, Bill Williams and wife Frances and David Williams and wife Karen; nine grandchildren and seven (soon to be nine!) great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Coley and Lindy Whitehurst and his sister, Velma Pippin.
A visitation will be held at Macon Funeral Home in Franklin, NC on December 2nd from 5-7:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at Southerland Funeral Home in Panama City, FL on December 6th at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. A burial service will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
A reception will be held for family members after the burial service at Coastal Plumbing in the recreation room, 3411 Hwy 389.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church, 69 Iotla Street, Franklin, NC 28734 or Angel Hospice, 170 Church St. Franklin, NC 28734.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com