Franklin Hardwell "Frank" Whitten, 83, died on August 27, 2020 in Lynchburg General Hospital. A lifelong resident of Lynchburg, he was born on August 20, 1937 to the late Wilbur Carrington “Red” Whitten and the late Louise Poole Whitten. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lynn Whitten. He was married to Harriet Jones Whitten of Norfolk for 61 years.
An alumnus of E.C. Glass High School, Virginia Military Institute and Echols College of Mortuary Science, Frank began his chosen career early on working at Whitten Funeral Home with his father as a teenager. Throughout his life, Frank never considered his career as a job, rather as a calling. In the words of those he served, “he was kind, caring, compassionate and totally professional leading them through very sad and difficult times.” He was actively involved in numerous civic organizations, making friends wherever he went. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Frank was a devoted member of Peakland United Methodist Church where he served in numerous capacities.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Susan Whitten Padgett (Roy) of Charlotte NC, Alice Whitten Bowen (Tony) of Parrish FL, Mary Carter Whitten Van Atta (Matt) of Decatur GA, and Franklin Hardwell “Hardy” Whitten, Jr. (Betsy) of San Diego CA, eight grandchildren: Drew Bowen (Aubrey) of Atlanta GA, Sarah Bowen Hersh (Eric) of Huntersville, NC, Paul Bowen of Atlanta GA, Mary Grace Padgett of Memphis TN, Elizabeth Padgett and Lilly Padgett both of Charlotte NC, Oscar Whitten of San Diego CA and Rob Van Atta of Decatur GA. He is survived by his brothers, Wilbur Carrington Whitten, Jr of Forest and Thomas P. Whitten of Beaufort SC. Also, he is survived by his brother-in-law, William Henry Jones, Jr. and his wife, Margaret of Augusta GA.
A Celebration of Life honoring Frank, will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at Peakland United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at a reception at the church following the service.
The family requests that memorials be made to Peakland United Methodist Church, 4434 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg VA 24503.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.
