BILLY GENE WHITEHEAD

Bill Whitehead, age 91, of DeFuniak Springs passed away in the early evening of December 1, 2020 in his son’s hometown of Clearwater, Florida. He was born October 29, 1929 in DeFuniak Springs, the fifth child of Jessie Lee Whitehead and Polly Jones Whitehead. He is predeceased by his wife, Bebe, and his sisters Margaret McBride and Mary Ellen Edwards. Bill graduated from Walton High School and Florida State University. He served in the U.S. Army in the Signal Corp. Before starting college, Bill married Bebe Carol Chesser of DeFuniak Springs. They had one son, Gene. They lived in Rome, Georgia for most of Bill’s working career before returning to DeFuniak Springs where they remained. Bill loved being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a wonderful husband, a devoted and loving father and grandfather, brother, and uncle, who will be missed by many.

Among survivors are his son, Gene and wife Brenda (Clearwater, FL). His granddaughter, Morgan Whitehead (Washington, DC). His brother Devon Whitehead (Aliquippa, PA), and his sister Johnnie Merle Strawbridge (Pensacola, FL) also survive. Bill had several nieces and nephews, Mary Kay (Scott) Bell, Ellen Gayle (Mick) Milo, John Lee (Susan) Edwards, Kahl (Pat) Edwards, Linda Seawright, Carol Richardson, Harry Whitehead and David Whitehead.

Those asked  to serve as pallbearers are Kahl Edwards, Frank McCormick, Scott Bell, Earl Elliot, Patrick Pilcher and Ben Spence.

Floral arrangements are accepted or  memorials may be made in Bill’s memory  to Alaqua United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 668, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435. A time of visitation will be Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 10 am until 11am in Jerry Evans Chapel with the funeral beginning at 11 am with Reverend Henry Martin officiating. Burial will be in the Whitehead family plot in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Friends and family may go on line to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest register at jerryevansfuneralhome.com.