March 14, 2024, 85, Goldsboro —
October 24, 1938 – March 14, 2024
Arthur Wendell Whitman Sr., 85, quietly and peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Wendell was born in Wayne County to the late Jesse Willard Whitman and Ardell Hardy Whitman on October 24, 1938.
From early on, it was evident that Wendell was meant to share his life with Margaret Potter. They attended school with one another from the beginning and eventually became high school sweethearts. Their young love and friendship grew into a marriage that spanned nearly seven decades. They were two peas in a pod and one was never far from the other. Together they raised their son, Wendy, and built a life they loved.
As a father, Wendell was Wendy’s teacher, hero, and best friend. They enjoyed times spent hunting crows, attending baseball games and NASCAR races, and indulging in a good bologna sandwich. The two shared an affinity for working with their hands. From honey-do lists to larger home projects, carpentry consumed many afternoons and weekends.
Wendell had a deep love for baseball and was a diehard Yankees fan. Mickey Mantle was his idol and Wendell always insisted on being #7. Having played the sport in younger years, Wendell leapt at the opportunity to coach when Wendy was old enough to play. Wendell’s love of sports freely flowed into golf and basketball as well.
Wendell was a man of his word. He never meddled and was always a good provider. His priority was to care for his family, and he never failed to do so. Wendell carried himself with pride in his appearance and displayed an aura of confidence. With a loving, caring, and considerate personality, Wendell’s presence was noticed in a crowd. His work ethic stood out and he had a way of making work seem fun. No matter the situation, Wendell remained patient and easy to get along with.
Wendell was a member of the Goldsboro 2nd Ward- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was also a longtime member of Wayne Masonic Lodge #112. With 40 years of service, Wendell was a dedicated and faithful sales representative with Stone Container Corp.
A service to celebrate and remember Wendell’s life will be held Monday, March 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Potter-Whitman Family Cemetery.
Wendell is survived by his beloved bride of 66 years, Margaret Potter Whitman; son, Arthur Wendell “Wendy” Whitman, Jr.; two brothers, Durwood Whitman and Chester Whitman; and three sisters, Shirley Worrells, Iris Duncan, and Jo Ann Cooper. In addition to his parents, Wendell was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Melvin Joesph Potter and Smithy Hines Potter, who thought of and loved Wendell as their own son; two brothers, Donald Ray Whitman and Douglas Whitman; and a sister, Edna Price.
Family and friends will be received on Monday during the hour before the service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
