Thomas Harold Whitfield

Thomas Harold Whitfield, aged 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice Center. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on January 23, 1950 to Ruben and Dorothy (Jones) Whitfield. Fondly known as Tommy, he grew up as the middle child with his three brothers and two sisters on Wade Avenue near NC State University. His childhood was full of family, cousins and friends, and a house filled with love and laughter. Tommy loved baseball, golf and fishing on the pier and never met a stranger in his life. He loved a good joke and always had music in his life – his favorite being beach music and Motown. He worked hard throughout his life from tires to sales to construction, with a high work ethic and pride in whatever job was at hand. He knew the meaning of hard work and honesty, something that was apparent for all to see.

Married for 49 years, he is survived by his loving wife, Fay (Robertson) Whitfield. They raised two children, Buster Whitfield and Paige (Whitfield) Ossman, together with love, devotion and happiness, even when times were tough. He held many roles in his children’s lives from baseball & softball coach to Sunday school teacher. He taught them the meaning of compassion, hard work, and a true love for the Lord through his actions. Their family expanded with son-in-law, Paul Ossman, and four grandchildren, Sydney Whitfield, and Kate, Ellie, and Sam Ossman, who were his pride and joy. Known as both ”Big” and “Poppy”, he was always ready with a big hug, a huge smile, and so much pride. Preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Dorothy, he is survived by his five siblings, Ben (Anne) Whitfield, Dickie (Mary) Whitfield, Diana (John) Tuttle, Shirley (Mike) Little, and Benny Whitfield, as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved being with. His family, was full of siblings, cousins, children, grandchildren, and his wife, and they were the most important thing in the world to him. He loved big and everyone felt his love for them.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Pine Valley Methodist church (3788 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403) at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. There will be a visitation and fellowship immediately afterwards with all of the sweets, cakes and goodies that Tommy loved in his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in his honor to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice Center at www.lifecare.org.

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