David Barry “BaPa” Whitman, age 81, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024 at his home.
He was born in Clinton, SC, the son of the late David Clarence and Medora Campbell Whitman on May 3, 1943. He worked at Clinton Mills for 33 years, with Lifelong Learning for 8 years, and managed Pinelawn Memory Gardens for the last 18 years.
Barry also had many other interests including coaching sports since he was a youngster. He was part of the 1960 and 1961 CHS Baseball State Championships. As the Voice of the Red Devils, he broadcasted football games for Clinton High School, as well as Presbyterian College, for WPCC throughout the 1970s and into the early 80s. He served on the Laurens District 56 School Board and was President of the SC School Board Association. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church—as a deacon, treasurer, Sunday School teacher, and member of numerous planning committees.
Barry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Emily Davis Whitman; his children, Tara Whitman Webb of Clinton, Tracy Whitman Shaw (Lee) of Gilbert, and Shawn Barry Whitman of Charlotte, NC; his grandchildren, Amanda Webb Davis (Tim) and Braeden Patterson Webb (Tori, fiancée) both of Clinton; and a great grandson, Grayden Whitman Davis and another on the way; his two brothers, Freddie Whitman (Gail) and Tim Whitman (Cathy).
The family wants to thank all those friends, family, and caretakers who were faithful in visiting, sending cards, attending to his care, and praying for Barry during his extended illness.
The funeral services will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church with visitation from 1:00 – 2:45 prior to the service. A private interment will follow at Pinelawn Memory Gardens. Rev. Dr. H. Blake Harwell & Rev. Jay Roland will officiate.
Memorial may be made to the First Baptist Church Capital Improvements Fund, 301 South Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325 or PO Box 95, Clinton, SC 29325.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Whitman family with services.