Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on August 8, 1943, Tom lived a full life anchored by family, service to others, and an incurable devotion to University of Virginia football—a pursuit that required both boundless optimism and an exceptional sense of humor.
Tom graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1961, attended Randolf-Macon College in Ashland, Va and went on to graduate from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1967. As the longtime President of Whitten Funeral Homes, Tom guided countless families through difficult days with grace, deep empathy, and steady reassurance. His career reflected his fundamental nature: a sincere, instinctive desire to help people.
Tom was an active and dedicated civic leader throughout his life in Central Virginia. He contributed his time and energy to numerous local charities and organizations, including E.C. Glass Athletic Boosters, the Virginia State Golf Association and service as a Board member of Central Fidelity Ban. He was a fixture at Boonsboro Country Club, where he formed many of his closest, lifelong friendships
Outside of work, Tom was happiest on the fairway, in the stands at sports events, walking his dogs and surrounded by his friends and family. As a founding member of Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, SC, he loved hitting the links and telling stories to a captive audience. A master storyteller and joke teller, Tom brightened every room with his good humor, a well-aged Scotch, and genuine warmth.
Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Whitten; his parents, Wilbur C. "Red" Whitten and Louise Poole Whitten; two brothers, Wilbur C. Whitten, Jr. and Franklin H. Whitten; and his sister, Mary Lynn Whitten.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Gifford Whitten; his children, Elizabeth Whitten Jones (Bradley), Laura C. Whitten, and Thomas P. Whitten, Jr. (Allison); and his step-children, Julia Sanford, Richard Deaner (Kara), and Katherine Holdt. He was also the proud grandfather of Anne and Catherine Jones, Caroline, and Tre Whitten, and step-grandfather to George, Charles, John and Kathryn Sanford, Lucy Holdt and Isabella, Adam and Ally Deaner.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 11, 2026, at St. Peter’s Historic Catholic Church in Beaufort, South Carolina, with interment directly following. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
E.C. Glass High School Athletic Boosters Scholarship Fund:
C/O The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation
1100 Commerce Street
Lynchburg, Va 24504
