David Whittle
d. January 15, 2018
David Garrett Whittle, 78, was called to his heavenly home with the Lord Jesus on Monday, January 15, 2018, after a period of illness.
David’s grandparents, Clarence M. Whittle and Mary "Mollie" Alice Withers, had a homestead in Huntington, WV. They had five daughters, Mary Elizabeth "Bill" Whittle, Virginia "Gin" Alice Whittle, Clarice Ruth Whittle, Marjorie Louise Whittle, and Hilda Katherine Whittle. The fourth daughter “Margie” as David called her, was his beloved mother. Preceding David in death were two first cousins: Ron Shy and Richard Kelly. David is survived by first cousins: Larry Lambert of Orange City, FL; Terry Shy of Huntington, WV; Linda Kelly of Huntington, WV; Mary Kay Shy of Charlotte, NC; and Mary Ida Speck of St. Petersburg, FL, as well as many special friends and other relatives.
David enlisted in the US Navy in 1963 as a Ship's Serviceman and received an honorable discharge after some 16 years of service. He held the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Award.
At age 44, David received Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, it was a radical transformation. He would say he wasted the first half of his life, and he was determined to live the rest of his life for the Lord. He faithfully served as a deacon at several local churches, sharing the gospel every chance he had. He was bold and unashamed of his passion for Jesus. David especially enjoyed spending long days evangelizing at the Jacksonville Beaches. His unique gift was telling people how much Jesus loved them. He’d say “I love everybody, and I want all to go to heaven”. He was often seen waving to folks on the corner of 3rd Street and Beach Boulevard with a big smile and brimming with joy. One of his scripture signs that David held out there read “Jesus Saves, John 3:16” and “I love you”.
David was a special man whose life touched so many lives and has borne much good fruit for eternity! He will surely be missed. His burial was held at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Thursday, January 18, 2018. Family and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Celebration of his life at Ocean Park Baptist Church, located at 402 16th Avenue South in Jacksonville Beach, FL on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM. A luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall.