Conrad Guy Whitfield (84) of Sandy Springs passed away at home after an extended illness. He was the beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather of two daughters, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mr. Whitfield was born at home in Atlanta, attended both grammar and high school in Atlanta and went on to graduate from The Georgia Institute of Technology. Throughout his life he was an avid supporter of Georgia Tech football. He continued his education at Georgia State University with a Masters in Information Systems and a B.A. in Mathematics. As he continued to be a “professional student”, at the age of 75 he completed courses for a Doctorate in Theological Studies. During college days he worked with the Gra-Y (YMCA) coaching sports and mentoring young boys. After college he did a three year stint with the U.S. Coast Guard, rising to the rank of Lt. Commander. Mr. Whitfield also taught at DeKalb Tech and Mercer University in Atlanta. He was employed by several companies in the field of Data Processing before joining Lockheed-Martin, where he stayed for 37 years until retirement. During this time he was sent to Brazil for seven years where he worked on a spare parts system for the Brazilian Air Force. For his accomplishments in Brazil, he was awarded the Santos Dumont Medal, the highest medal awarded to civilians. After retirement at 68, he continued to coach basketball at two local churches in Sandy Springs, was active in Gideons International, taught Sunday School and was involved in several church mission trips. Mr. Whitfield loved the Lord and worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel. He was an ordained Deacon and presently a member of First Baptist Church of Atlanta. He was married to Patricia Oakley Whitfield for 63 years and they had wonderful adventures all over South America, Hawaii, Continental U.S., and Africa. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat), daughters, Kathleen Ritz, and Karen Kolb; sons-in-law Chuck Ritz, and Lyndon Kolb; grandchildren Michelle Morris, Jennefer Stephens, Christa Kolb and David Kolb; grand son-in-law Jeremy Stephens; great grandchildren, Lauren, Jessica, Liam, Gavin and Hannah Grace Stephens; David and William Hasselman and Isabel Morris. A visitation will be Friday, August 10, 2018 from 6:00 until 8:00pm at Sandy Springs Chapel. The funeral will be Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 2:00pm at Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Interment immediately following at Arlington Memorial Park. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Gideons International, P. O. Box 76844, Atlanta, GA 30358.
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