John Dewitt Whitlow

John DeWitt Whitlow (J.D.), 87, of 36 Sinclair Street, Ridgeway, VA died, Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at his home. Born March 5, 1923 in Martinsville, he was the eldest son of Carroll D. Whitlow and Virgie Mae Joyce Whitlow Wade, both deceased. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sue Hazelwood Whitlow, and his sister, Vera Turner.

J. D. graduated from Martinsville High School in 1941, where he played baseball and was a member of the Glee Club. At age 19, he joined the United States Navy. J.D. served aboard the U.S.S. Storm King and the U.S.S. Raby, receiving the good conduct medal, the World War II Victory ribbon, Asiatic Pacific service ribbon with three stars, Philippine Liberation service ribbon with two stars, and American Area service ribbon. He was honorably discharged on February 7, 1947.

Following his military service, J.D. returned to Martinsville and married Mary Sue Hazelwood of Stuart, VA. He was employed as a welder and maintenance supervisor at the Dupont Nylon Plant in Martinsville for 33 years, retiring in March 1981.

J.D. was a baseball enthusiast, volunteering as a coach in the Youth Pony League Program for over 25 years. His service and achievements were recognized by the Virginia Recreation and Park Society with a Volunteer Award in 1974. The Martinsville Community Recreation Association honored him with an award in 1978 for 25 years of outstanding leadership in the Youth Pony League Baseball Program. He was also made an honorary member of the Martinsville Jaycees for his community service.

J.D. was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Martinsville for many years. In his later years, he was a member of the Big A Church of Christ in Stuart, VA, and for several years, a faithful attendee of the Men’s Bible Study led by Dick Hensley.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and James E. Brown of Granbury, TX; a daughter, Cindy Shirley of Ridgeway, VA; a brother, Jimmy Whitlow of Ridgeway, VA; and two grandchildren, Benjamin Shirley of Richmond, VA and Ann Brown of Cleveland, OH.

The family wishes to express their love and appreciation to the home nursing assistants - Jeannie Marsh, Gloria Campbell, Vanessa Swanson and Barbara Thompson - who cared for J.D. throughout his long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Also thanks to the Hospice of Memorial Hospital staff for providing support and medical assistance in the final months of J.D.’s life.

The funeral service will be held Friday, December 3, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service.

Memorials may be made to Big A Church of Christ of Christ, The Hospice Fund, C/O Martinsville Area Community Foundation, P. O. Box 1124, Martinsville, VA 24112 or Alzheimer’s Association, Blue Ridge of Virginia Chapter, 2728 Colonial Avenue, Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24015.

Arrangements are by Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville Chapel

To express condolences on line, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.