Donald "Don" Benton Whitehead

Donald “Don” Benton Whitehead entered the presence of the Lord on March 4, 2025, at the age of 79. He was surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 25, 1945, in Russellville, Alabama, Don was the son of Ila Mae McCluskey and John Franklin Whitehead. His early years were spent in Russellville before his family moved to Cayce, South Carolina, where he would grow up and leave a lasting legacy.

Don's love for basketball began in his youth, and he quickly became a star player at his high school and was inducted into the Brookland-Cayce High School Hall of Fame. His exceptional athleticism earned him a spot at Erskine College, where he played basketball and earned All-NAIA District 6 Honors in both his junior and senior years. He was inducted into the Erskine College Hall of Fame in 1986, which was a testament to his incredible achievements both on and off the court.

In 1967, Don was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Draft as the 14th round’s second pick. He was later traded to the Houston Rockets, where he played professionally in the Eastern Basketball League from 1967 to 1969 before a career-ending injury. Despite the end of his professional basketball days, Don’s love for the sport never ceased. His influence on the game was recognized as he will be inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame on May 19th, 2025.

Don graduated from Erskine College in 1967 and later built a successful career as an independent insurance agent, where he earned the respect of his colleagues and clients. He was a man of integrity, a hard worker, and a friend to all who knew him.

On April 19, 2001, Don married his beloved wife, Brenda, in an intimate ceremony at the Battery in Charleston, South Carolina. Their marriage was filled with love, and Don was a dedicated husband throughout their 24 years together. Don was also a proud and devoted father to his five children—Kirk, Ben, and Jordan Whitehead, Chryssie Whitehead-Disbrow, and Julie Campbell—and to his two stepdaughters, Tracey Johnson and Corey Quick. His love for his family was unwavering, and he cherished the time spent with his wife and children.

Don was a man of strong faith. He was a member of Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, SC for many years before relocating to North Myrtle Beach in 2021, where he joined First Baptist Church. Don had many passions beyond basketball. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and beach lover who enjoyed basking in the sun. Don was also never known to turn down a sweet treat. He always had a box of Krispy Kreme donuts and a jar of peanut M&Ms sitting on the kitchen counter. Don enjoyed listening to Elvis, oldies, and beach music. One of his favorite songs was "Brenda" by O.C. Smith, a reflection of his deep love for his wife.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John Franklin and Ila Mae Whitehead, and his two brothers, Bobby Whitehead and Jerry Whitehead. He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Whitehead; sons, Kirk (Kathy), Ben (Kelly) and Jordan (Erin) Whitehead; daughters, Chryssie Whitehead-Disbrow (Craig) and Julie Campbell (Zach); stepdaughters, Tracey Johnson and Corey Quick; granddaughters, Alexis, Anna, and Kara Whitehead; grandsons, Xander and Nolan Whitehead; step-grandchildren Jessica Hagenlock, Hunter Quick, and Peyton Quick; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Don’s family and friends will forever remember him for his warm heart, generosity, silent strength, and love for those he cherished. His legacy as a father, husband, and friend will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - West Columbia Chapel, with a funeral service celebrating Don’s life to follow at 2:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at Southland Memorial Gardens.