Birth Date: 07/06/1948
Deceased Date: 07/11/2023
Mr. Ronald Evan Whittington, 75, died on July 11, 2023. Ron was born July 6, 1948 in Harnett County to the late Walter Carl Whittington, Jr. and Edna Fry Whittington. He graduated from Smithfield High School in 1966 and went on to Brevard Junior College and W.W. Holding Technical College receiving an AA Degree in Architectural Technology.
Ron was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, receiving basic training at Ft. Bragg and advanced training at the Engineering School at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia as a Construction Surveyor. He served a tour in Vietnam with the 27th Combat Engineers providing surveying for roads, bridges, buildings, and airstrips.
Ron retired from Wake County Public Schools after 26 years as a Senior Project Manager in planning, construction, and management of school facilities. He was also licensed as a Building Contractor, Real Estate Broker, and received building and fire inspector pre-qualifications. He was also employed by Roberts and Wellons as a small engine technician where he worked a number of years with his father. He also worked with H.S. Annis, Architect managing construction projects in the Raleigh area and National Guard Projects on Ft. Bragg.
Ron was a long-time member of Sharon Baptist Church serving as Director, Deacon, Chair of Building and Grounds and in many other positions. His passion was having the privilege to take care of the facilities. He enjoyed going on several mission trips over the years helping other churches with construction/repairs and also disaster relief with the NC Baptist Men.
Ron was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 990 where he had served as Vice-President, President and on the Board of Directors. He was also a member of American Legion Post 0232 where he served as Chaplin. He was also a member of VFW Post 5886 where he was a Trustee. He enjoyed working with and helping with Veteran activities and fund raisers especially with the Vietnam Veteran’s hot dog trailer and participating in the Christmas parades.
Ron enjoyed woodworking projects and going to his shop making ‘sawdust’. He loved his family cookouts, reunions, and Christmas was a very special time which he enjoyed decorating and celebrating with family.
Ron is survived by his fiancé Brenda D. Massey; sons Ronald E. Whittington, Jr. and wife Christina, and Wesley Carl Whittington; brothers Nelson Whittington and Jeff Whittington and wife Sissy; grandchildren Sarah Brown and husband Brayden, Logan Whittington, Kaylee Whittington, Gabriel Whittington, and Michael Whittington.
A memorial service will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Sunday, July 16th at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma, NC. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, 202 South Fourth St., Smithfield, NC 27577, or to Baptist Children’s Homes of NC, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-9911, or to Vietnam Veterans of America-Chapter 990, PO Box 1246, Four Oaks, NC 27524.
