Philip Whitman

Philip grew up in Albany, Georgia, with his five brothers and sisters. He met Elaine Smith Whitman, his supportive and loving wife of 53 years, while studying for his Bachelor of Science in Engineering at Tulane University. They were married in 1966, after which he earned a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Philip then embarked on a 41-year career in petrochemical engineering and, later, forensic-investigative engineering consulting. During a three-year assignment in Washington, D.C., he lobbied for passage of the Methane Transportation Research, Development, and Demonstration Act, signed into law by President Carter in 1980, which created a legislative path for natural gas vehicles, and whose effects are still felt today. In the consulting phase of his career, he specialized in explosions and industrial accidents, helping to investigate such cases as the 1989 Phillips 66 plant explosion and the Oklahoma City bombing. He occasionally made presentations in his children’s schools, and his incendiary demonstrations were always a big hit, until the social climate changed and explosions on school grounds were not as well-received. After retirement, he wrote three online courses for continuing engineering education: “Anatomy of a Waste Water Tank Explosion,” “Three Explosions and a Chemical Accident,” and “Introduction to Water Towers.”

He is remembered best for his colorful storytelling, recounting events from his childhood, young adulthood, career, and life with his wife and children. Some of his greatest hits include: “I Don’t Go Looking for Trouble,” “Hitchhiking to Albany,” “BB in the Tongue,” and “The Day the Slop Oil Tank Exploded.”

He is preceded in death by parents Charles Lewis “Whit” Whitman, Jr., mother Louise Durham Whitman, and brother C. Lewis Whitman III. He is survived by wife Elaine; brothers Howe Durham Whitman (Sr.) and Donald Whitman; sisters Patricia Whitman Snelling and Marilyn Whitman Gibson; son Neal and wife Amanda, and their children Doug and Adam; son Glen and wife Brynn, and their children Isla and Rowan; daughter Ellen and husband Trent, and their children Sydney and Dylan. He will be greatly missed.

Arrangements for a memorial service and celebration of life are to be announced at a later date. In the interim you may opt to receive updated information by selecting the "Receive Notifications" icon below.