George Cheatham Whitsitt's Obituary
George Cheatham Whitsitt, 94, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and a proud and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was born in Memphis, on May 25, 1929, to Howard Allen Whitsitt,Sr. and Julie Morson. He was one of six children.
He is preceded in death by his eldest sister, Julie Stepp (Price), brother Howard "Boots" Whitsitt (Ann), brother John Whitsitt (Mim), and sister, Betty Harrison (Sam). He is survived by his sister, Margaret Kathryn "Kakky" Tanner (Ray).
George graduated from Central High School and attended Memphis State University. He married Joan Hill, and they had two sons, George Cheatham "Chet" Whitsitt, Jr. and David Hill Whitsitt. Joan passed away in 1979. George later married Wanda Barnes, and they were blessed with 42 wonderful years together.
George had a long career as a cotton merchant on Front Street in downtown Memphis. He was a member of the Memphis Cotton Exchange and the New York Cotton Exchange. He was a longtime member of Whitehaven Country Club and Chickasaw Country Club.
George loved growing peonies and gardenias and found joy in sharing them with others. He enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting, playing golf with friends, and watching sports of all kinds. Some of his favorite times were spent with friends and family at his and Wanda's Bay Point home in Panama City, Florida.
He will be remembered for his kind spirit, generosity, quick "one-liner" wit, and his love of having his friends and family nearby. He leaves his wife, Wanda; sons, George Cheatham "Chet" Whitsitt, Jr. (Judy), and David Hill Whitsitt; stepdaughter, Sandra Brent Parry (Ron); grandchildren, Grace McNatt, Brent Robinson, Jennifer Hoshall, Josh Halman, Hailey Etter (James), and †Bryce Robinson. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and Bob, Marty, and Heather Longway of Denver, Colorado.
Funeral Services will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN. 38119, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 1:00 pm. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Burial to follow the services at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in Mr. Whitsitt’s honor, please consider St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org), your local SPCA or animal humane society, or charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?
