Whitehead was born to Jack and Elizabeth Whitehead in Gray Bird, TX on March 10, 1937. After graduating from Lincoln Junior High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he completed his high school studies and graduated.
He is survived by his wife, Mary A. Whitehead, sister Betty Jameson, three children, Yolanda Whitehead, Lamount Whitehead (Deirdre), and Andre Whitehead, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one great-great- grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers are Kermit Strickland, Lonnie Lewis, Patrick Henry, Lance Hamlett, Christian Whitehead and Gabriel Whitehead.