Dr. Eric A. Whitted

1926 - 2014

Dr. Eric A. Whitted obituary, 1926-2014

Eric Whitted Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 30, 2014.

Dr. Eric A. Whitted was the 2nd generation born and raised in St. Petersburg, Fl. He was proud of his heritage of early St. Petersburg settlers as the nephew of Albert Whitted, the downtown airport namesake and great grandson of Zephaniah Phillips, first settler of Pass-a-Grill.

He attended St. Petersburg High School and enlisted into the Army after graduation. He was stationed in Korea and earned the rank of Captain in the Army Reserves. After his military service, he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Florida followed by a Master's Degree in administration, supervision, and guidance at the University of Oklahoma. He started his career at Pinellas County Schools as a teacher, progressing rapidly to assistant principal and then principal at various schools within the district. During his tenure, he also earned his doctorate degree in education from Nova University. He ended his career as an area superintendent after dedicating over 3 decades to the educational needs of the community. He further contributed to education after retirement by serving as a consultant to various school districts. He will be remembered as a visionary that looked for inventive ways to enrich the educational experience of children.

Eric was a dreamer and an eternal optimist, influencing his approach to his career and personal life. As an outdoor enthusiast, he loved to spend time hunting, fishing and scalloping at the family cabin on the Chassahowitzka River. He enjoyed the many summers spent with his children and grandchildren camping and hiking around the country. One of his dreams came true when he spent a fun-filled white Christmas with his family in Montana. He shared many amusing stories of his summer vacations to Europe with friends and relatives. He was a mentor, wonderful father and grandfather and most of all a loving and devoted husband of 60 years who compassionately cared for his wife during a prolonged illness. His zeal for life was contagious and the world will not be the same without him.

Eric is survived by his sister Eleanor, son Michael and his wife Lisa, son Leland, daughter Laura, grandchildren Ryan and Eric and great grandson Kyle.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00pm on Friday, February 7th, 2014 at Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 693 S. Belcher Road in Clearwater. A private Inurnment will be held at a later date on Johns Island.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to either the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org) or Friends of Crystal River NWRC in Memory of Eric Whitted, 1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429.

Friends and family may sign the guest book at www.mossfeasterclearwater.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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December 16, 2014

Herbert Merz

I met his son, Leland an had a pleasure to get to know Mrs an Mr Whitted, ,, I was blessed to get to know them they were the most wonderful couple I have ever had the pleasure to have met, I met them thru their son Leland, had the pleasure to meet their daughter what a beautiful woman . I MISS THE ALL I'm in cincinnati, now , please contact me Leland, [email protected]

March 14, 2014

Jean Davis Brown

Mr whitted was a parents dream as a Vice Principal and wonderful to work for as a student. He was always fair and belived in giving a student a chance to prove him/herself at least once after getting in a bit of trouble. A man of integrity, wisdom, and Christian fellowship...an example for the young male students to follow! So saddened to hear of his passing. Condolences to the family. Jean Davis Brown

March 1, 2014

Joan Vetter

What a blessing for the family to know that he lived life well and leaves many fond memories of lives touched with his genuine acceptance and caring. I worked in the office at Northeast and remember him as one who always made our day a little bit better.

February 25, 2014

Barbara Ann Wells Manning/Preston

To the Whitted Family:
Seldom does a finer educator, friend, mentor, parent, Christian, and guide to children, youth and adults than Mr. Whitted ever walk the face of this earth. We were fortunate to know him, rub shoulders with him, laugh with him, be counselled and consoled by him, and learn from him. Know that his his spirit lives on in every life he touched, especially mine.

February 25, 2014

Patricia Teague Fulton

Mr. Whitted was a wonderful vice principal, with a big smile and a sense that he liked students (but wouldn't put up with nonsense). He was special in every sense. I will miss him.

February 25, 2014

Nila Shea Williams

My name is Nila Shea and I will remember Mr. Whitted with fond memories.Our love goes out to his family at this time..The Shea Family... Nila, Diane, Dennis and Danny..

February 5, 2014

June Salvato

I remember his caring attitude, strict but fair style and wonderful smile for all the students at Northeast High School. He was an example that all could and should be emulated.

February 5, 2014

Eric and Betty added so much to the festivities and operation of the Bucketeers Yacht Club. He gave so much and will be greatly missed.

The Bucketeers Yacht Club

February 4, 2014

Susan Bachman

Eric Whitted was an energetic and creative educator for many years and in many positions. All people in the Pinellas School System will remember him with respect and thanks.

February 3, 2014

Kathlynn Holden

Mr. Whitted was a wonderful, caring and very compassionate Assistant Principal of Northeast High School during the years I went there in the 50's. A wonderful person.

February 2, 2014

Dave Reed

To Laura, Mike and Lee
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of you father. He was a great man and you should be proud of him and what he accomplished. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

February 2, 2014

Jan

Dear Mr. Whitted, you were the energetic and kind principal of Lealman Jr. High. You knew all students by their first names and you stood every day in the halls greeting every student with a broad smile. Even the rough and tough guys looked up to you, and you gave the budding delinquents a friendly rub on the shoulders that kept them in line and maybe changed their lives. Thank you for making Lealman a great learning environment.
Jan Hopf Gentry, Ph.D.

February 2, 2014

Norman A. Vincent Family

Farewell colleague and friend. I enjoyed working with and for you at Lakewood H. S., also at the Civitan Summer Camp for a few years. Our family extends our heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.

February 1, 2014

Janis Flynn Mockler

I was sad to see the passing of such a wonderful man. Dr. Whitted was my principal at Lealman Jr. High. He called us his "Rinky Dinks" a term of endearment. Later in life I would see him at the schools my son was attending. And then later I was an employee of PCSB and our paths would cross. My heart goes out to the family as I know he will be missed greatly.

February 1, 2014

MARGARET LADD

MR. WHITTED, YOU WERE MY PRINCIPAL AT AZALEA JUNIOR HIGH IN THE 60'S AND WORKING IN THE OFFICE AS A STUDENT I GOT TO KNOW AND RESPECT YOU. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. MY THOUGHTS GO OUT TO YOUR SON ERIC AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY, MARGARET (HOBBS) LADD

January 31, 2014

Donna Stein

Your parents were such an inspirational married couple. Their love was so evident in the way they were with each other. Now they can be dancing and laughing together again in heaven.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Moss Feaster Funeral Home and Cremation - Clearwater

693 South Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33764

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