It is with heavy hearts we announce that James Edwin Whittle passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Baptist Hospital East on September 29th of 2026, after an extended illness. He was 81.
He was born July 21, 1945 in Blytheville, AR to the late Raymond and Ethel Whittle. Edwin graduated from Cooter High School of Cooter, Missouri in 1964. On June 25, 1965 Edwin and Phyllis were married at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Cooter, MO. He started his career at Simmons Sheet Metal Shop in Blytheville and continued in that field in Memphis for 20 years. He became manager of Perlco Metal Management for 17 years. He was known as Ed to all his co workers. Always enjoying excavating and dirt work. He started Whittle Trucking Co. for several years before he became a heavy equipment operator for City of Memphis where he retired in 2011.
Edwin had many hobbies and enjoyed everything he did to the fullest. Fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, estate sales and barbeque contests. He had a great time country line dancing with a group of wonderful friends. Most of all he dearly loved and cherished his family. He always made sure they came first. Every year he was enthusiastic about raising his garden. He was always up early to check on everything. Edwin was a member of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed gospel quartets, country western and 50's Music.
He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis of 61 years, His son, Chad Whittle, a grandson Tyler Douthitt, all of Arlington, TN; One sister Dorothy Stern of Omaha, NB, a brother in law Jackie King(Debbie) of San Diego, CA and a sister in law Thelma Whittle of Lake Village, AR and a special niece, Sherrice White of Memphis and many nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Tiffany Whittle of Nashville, TN. His parents Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Whittle of Blytheville, AR and two brothers Raymond Whittle Jr. and Rayford Whittle, both of Lake Village, AR and a sister in law Carolyn Rowe(Frank).
The family will receive friends, Sunday, November 1st 2026, 1:00 pm until service time at 2:00pm.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, US, on November 1, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
