Edward D. “Ted” Whittle, 92, of Winchester, Virginia passed away Monday, May 13, 2019, at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Front Royal, Virginia.
Mr. Whittle was born in 1926 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of the late Philip and Ruth Whittle. He graduated from Baltimore City College (High School) in 1945. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving 18 months of active duty, achieving the rank of Seaman First Class and honorably discharged in July 1946. During his service he was selected as honor man of class R-45, associated with NTSch Aviation Radioman. After his military service Ted graduated from Loyola College in July 1949, earning his degree in Business Administration.
In 1949 Ted went to work for the Radford and Sanders Company, a wholesale millwork company based in Baltimore. He began his career in inside sales before taking an outside sales position in 1951. Ted’s sales territory covered western Maryland, a large portion of West Virginia, and all of Northern Virginia. He moved to Winchester, Virginia in 1952 to be more centrally located in his territory. When Radford and Sanders was sold, Ted join the Sanders Company in 1954, continuing his career for the next 35 years, retiring in 1989. He continued to work part-time for 20 years beyond his retirement, calling on accounts south of Winchester to Harrisonburg, Virginia.
During his life, Ted was an active member at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. He served as lector, usher, and Eucharistic Minister. Ted was the last surviving charter member of the Valley Council 3572 Knights of Columbus organization, which was formed in December 1952 and served as Grand Knight in 1960.
Ted was also recognized by the United Fund of Winchester-Frederick County in 1974 for achievement in serving the human needs of the community. He was a founding board member of the local Big Brothers organization in 1972, and served as president of the Big Brothers from 1972-1975. Ted was a successful mentor to three little brothers during his tenure in the organization. He was also recognized for his service to the local Mended Hearts Chapter in 1995.
Ted served as a member of the Winchester City School Board from 1972-1981, in addition to serving as chairman of the board from 1978-1981. He was a great supporter of athletics in the Winchester-Frederick County area. Ted was a member of both Handley and James Wood Athletic Associations, in support of his sons. He coached in the Winchester Little League baseball program in the 1960s, which included his leadership of the legendary undefeated Green Chemical baseball team of 1969.
Before his eyesight failed him, Ted was an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling to courses around the state with his golf buddies from Carpers Valley Country Club.
His wife and love of his life, Mary, whom he married in 1951 preceded him in death in June 2014.
Surviving are his sons, Mark L. Whittle (Cindy) of Stephens City, and Terry H. Whittle of Winchester; grandchildren, Michael S. Whittle (Cheryl), Jeffrey D. Whittle, Ryan E. Whittle, Kirk M. Whittle, Philip A. Whittle (Nur Gorayeb), Kelly A. Whittle, and Catherine M. Whittle; great-grandson, Paul Bradford; and daughter-in-law, Debra Whittle.
Along with his beloved wife, Mary, he was preceded in death by two sons, Philip S. Whittle (1954) and Michael D. Whittle (2016).
A gathering of family and friends will be from 6 pm to 8 pm on Monday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Tuesday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with Reverend Stephen Holmes officiating. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ted’s memory to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winchester-Frederick County, 121 Youth Development Court, Winchester, Virginia 22602 or Sacred Heart Academy Tuition Angels, 110 Keating Drive, Winchester, Virginia 22601.