Jesse W. Whitfield

Jesse W. Whitfield CHESAPEAKE - Jesse W. "Porky" Whitfield, a loving father, grandfather and great- grandfather, passed away Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009. Born Dec. 31, 1921, in Bertie County, North Carolina, he was 87 years old. He was one of the kindest people anyone could have ever met. His thoughts were always for the other people especially his great- grandson he called "Boss," who always brought a smile to him. Jesse was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and retired from Norfolk Coca-Cola Bottling Works after 41 years, where he was the manager of the Cooler Service department. Survivors include his son, Ricky Whitfield and wife Melinda; two granddaughters, Jennifer Beagle and husband Paul, Rachel Tobin and husband Nelson; and one great-grandson, Aidan Paul Beagle, all of Chesapeake; a brother, Herman Whitfield and wife Evelyn of Bogalusa, La.; two sisters-in-law, Calce A. Whitfield and Elsie Whitfield, both of Chesapeake; a special companion for more than 30 years, Martha Culligan; along with many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. today, Aug. 23, at the Great Bridge Chapel of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake. The Rev. Daniel B. Goff will officiate. The interment will be private in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The viewing will begin today with the family receiving friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Friends are also invited to send condolences and sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh.com.