Thank you for the lasting memories you gave me as a child.  I'm grateful you were able to look past the mistakes of my youth, and I'm truly honored to have earned your trust and respect as a man.  All will be done just as you asked.
 
Sleep well pop.

Sunset and evening star,
  And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
  When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
  Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
  Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
  And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
  When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
  The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
  When I have crossed the bar.

                                    ~Alfred Lord Tennyson

He was the definition of strength and courage.  His life was such a great example of love and sacrifice.  He had such an impact on our lives.  There is a hole in our world that will never be filled again.  Family,  we love you guys.  You are in our hearts and prayers.
Madeline and Lonnie.

Papa was definitely of a rare breed of men. I can't put down all the things my heart wants to say about him...all the things he meant to me and how much he's missed and how much he's taught me. For once, I just don't have the words. But I do thank him for being the wonderful person he was, for loving Nana and the kids and the grand-kids and the great-grandkids and the great-great grandkids so well, and for his many years in the service which gave all of us the right to believe what we chose when we chose. Sleep well, Papa. You worked so hard, and you've earned the rest. We love you.

Pop- I love and miss you. You reminded me so much of my Papa. I feel honored to have met such a great man. You mean the world to your family, myself and everyone you have touched. Thank you for inviting me into this family with open arms. Throughout the time I knew you,you never ceased to amaze me by your will to survive and your love for this family. I will never forget the times where you sat on the couch with me looking at your photo albums. You had so many different stories. The pictures would just come alive and speak volumes. I wish you could of been here to meet the boy that is going to carry on the Whiteside name. I'll make sure he knows how much of an honor it is to carry on that name. I love you and miss you a great deal. Rest in peace Pop.

My father was a strong man who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. I am proud to say that I have inherited that trait.  I've always said regarding Daddy, "There's a fine line between truthfulness and tactlessness, and MY Daddy steps all over it."
Looking at his obituary, one would think that he might have been more boastful about his career in the military, but Daddy never really spoke of it.  In fact, when gathering his military information for the obituary, many of us were shocked by all of his heroic achievements.  He was a humble man, and boasting was not in his nature.
But more than this, he was a dedicated husband and father.  I never had any doubt in my mind of the love he felt for my mother.  He was the kind of husband I’ve always dreamt of having.  He was stubborn, honest, hard working, and devoted.  I knew in my heart that I could always look up to him and depend on him in times of need.  He was my “knight in shining armor”.  He was a man of integrity, strength, and courage, and there will be a hole in my heart for the rest of my life for the sadness that losing him has caused me.  
And although you claimed to be a “Darwinist”, Daddy, I will say it again, “If you’re right, I’ll have no conscious knowledge of it.  You’ll win, but I won’t care.  But, if I’M right, I’ll see you on the other side.”  May your rest be a peaceful one.   Love, “Squirt”

Your light will shine forever in my heart, Daddy.

Thank you Edna and and the Whiteside family for sharing Bill with the shipmates at FRA Branch 166. It was an honor to know Bill and to spend quality time with him at our meetings and socials. He will be missed by all who knew him.

It's obvious from the comments above mine that this was a great man, I'm sure he was as equally great a Chief Petty Officer. This family understands the importance of the Chief's communtiy to their loved one by selecting his service photo to be included in his obituary. RIP, Chief. The CPO Mess will take the watch from here. 

Mike Ricker, Chief Petty Officer (RET)
United States Navy

Although we did not personally know William Whiteside, it is clear that his legacy of honor and integrity have lived on, through his children and grandchildren.

Jesse, our thoughts are with you in the loss of your grandfather and our prayers are with your entire family.

Deepest Sympathies,

To the greatest man I 've ever had the pleasure of knowing and the privilege of is granddaughter. I thank you for loving my Nana, defending the country you loved and never being to busy to listen or play with us. I remember all our talks and loved listening to all you Navy stories. Your laugh will echo through my head and make me smile. I love you Pop, rest easy sailor.
Barbara Ann Jernigan Helton

POP You will always be missed you were one of the greatest people i have ever known i cant think of words to describe how much you meant to me and all of the family i love you pop you will forever be missed i can only hope to become as good of a man as you were to me RIP POP i love you

To the Whole Whiteside Family, Thank you for allowing my family to share in the special memories, in helping you now when we can be the most help, being part of my life for 26 years and for just being yourselves. Bill "pops" always had a smile, a story and never seemed to ever not be showing his love for his sweetheart of so many years, :Buzzy "moma", Thanks for all your sacifices to the USA. Love to you all.

OBITUARY

William O. Whiteside

May 5, 1930 – May 28, 2010

Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home & Rosewood Memorial Park

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