Robert M. Whittington

Born September 11, 1921 to Maurice and Naomi Whittington of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia. He had one older sister - Mary Katherine and a younger brother - James. He attended elementary school in the Junction and worked in the apple orchards as a boy. Shortly after graduation from high school he entered the U.S. Navy and served from 14 October 1940 until 1 July 1960. His occupational specialty during his Naval career was that of Chief Fire Control Technician. Upon completion of active duty he transferred to the Fleet Reserve. He continued to be active in the Fleet Reserve for many years and was a member at the time of his passing. After retiring from the Navy he went to work for Vitro Corp. in Rockville, MD. Primary function in that position was ship alterations. Essentially he planned and coordinated installation of computer/electronic equipment on board Navy ships. He retired after 25 years of service at Vitro(which later became B.A.E). He met Virginia L. Ernest during his early years in the Navy. They later married in Shenadoah Junction, WV. Three children were born from that marriage: Joy, Robert Jr., and Richard. He and Virginia Ernest Whittington were divorced in 1956. He remarried in 1960. Second marriage was to Virginia W. Boley. One child, a son, was born from that marriage - Brian; however, Virginia's two daughters from her previous marriage -Althea and Dawn also were raised in that home. He saw much suffering in this life in regard to family loss. All of the following people passed from this earth while he was yet alive: father Maurice, mother Naomi, sister Mary K, brother Jimmy, son Brian, step-daughter Althea, wife Virginia B. Whittington, daughter Joy, and former spouse Virginia Ernest. Nevertheless he never became embittered by loss but was a kind and generous person to the end of his days at the age of 91 years. He is survived by two sons - Robert Jr. and Richard; six grandsons - Charles, Christopher and Raymond Brinkley, James Gibbs, and Jared and Jeremiah Whittington; as well as five great grandchildren. He spent his final years in the loving home of his grandson - Charles and wife Michelle Brinkley with his 3 great grandchildren. He was well cared for and able to age in place until the time of his passing. Memorial service will be held Thursday June 27th, 2013, 4:00PM, at Oakdale-Emory United Methodist Church, 3425 Emory Church Rd, Olney, MD 20832. His cremains will be inurned at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, Fort Myers, Florida. He was a regular contributor to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In lieu of sending flowers please send a contribution in his honor to: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, PO Box 8958, Topeka KS 66608-8958