John Witherspoon, a longtime resident of Hampton, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2021. He was born on March 17, 1928 in Lynchburg to Ethel Warthen and Rev. Dr. James W. Witherspoon. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Lt. James W. Witherspoon, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn Bass Witherspoon, son James Whitted Witherspoon (Meg), daughter Elizabeth Witherspoon Hubbard (Tim), brother Jere Warthen Witherspoon (Ellen), grandchildren Emily, Trent and Allison Hubbard, step-granddaughter Brandi Stacy, step-great-grandchildren Ryan and Aubree Stacy, and many close friends and extended family.

John spent his childhood in Lexington, NC and later his family moved to Beckley, WV, where he made lifelong friends. He graduated from Davidson College and earned a master's degree from George Washington University. He served in the Air Force then settled in Hampton where he had a 40 year career at NASA.

John was an Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, sailing, skiing and traveling to destinations around the world to seek new adventures. Most important to him was his love of his church and family. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hampton where he was a Deacon and an Elder and served on numerous committees. He enjoyed boating and crabbing with his children and grandchildren and often could be found kayaking on Harris Creek.

John was an active member of the Hampton Yacht Club and served as secretary for seven years. He volunteered for many organizations including the Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton, where he served as a docent since its inception and enjoyed sharing his love of space and flight with others. He was proud of his ancestry and being a member of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Hampton on Saturday June 5, at 2pm. The family will receive friends at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Hampton, 514 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23669 or Sentara Hospice Services, 11844 Rock Landing Dr. Suite C, Newport News, VA 23606.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.

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Published by Daily Press on Jun. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Witherspoon

Sponsored by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton.

7 Entries

Paul McLean

June 5, 2021

In memory of a great human being, a profound and special figure in my childhood. The Witherspoons were a joyful presence in my extended family. John and his lovely wife CB shared a lifelong romance, resonating with natural curiosity, deep appreciation, kindness, gentleness and dedication. John was a patriot, whose eyes were ever on the sea and sky. His heart was shared through religious devotion, love of family and community participation. I will always remember his twinkling smile and ready sense of humor. John Witherspoon was a generous, fine man, the kind of fellow one can look up to, while standing at his side. Condolences to those he left behind, with fond remembrance for him, but happiness, too - that John lived such a long, full, rich life in service to his God, Country and beloved Family.

Ed Prior

June 5, 2021

I knew John at NASA for many years. He was a good friend, one of those who you could always count on to do the best at anything he did there. I'll always remember his sense of humor. I'm glad he made it into his nineties and my sympathy to his family.

June 4, 2021

I will always remember Mr. Witherspoon has a kind , gentle ,thoughtful and talented gentleman . I remember him from First Presbyterian Church Hampton as one who was always willing to serve and to guide and lead others by example , with his patience and stellar leadership . He had such a joyful heart that clearly shown through with his smile .
Sadly , it has been many ,many years since I have seen him ,but I will remember him fondly . God Bless You Mr. Witherspoon .
My thoughts and prayers are with his family . Truly what a blessing you were to him and how much he loved all of you .

Gerry Siekirski

June 3, 2021

A special kind man.
I remember that he really knew how to throw a boomerang! Blessings to his family. Gerry & Zee

Susan Smigielski Acker

June 3, 2021

I remember John when I worked at NASA in External Affairs. I was a young single lady and was dating my husband. John always had a smile on his face.

Bob and Mary Catherine Myers

June 3, 2021

We were saddened to hear of John's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him both as a fellow NASA employee and as a member of First Presbyterian Church. He was a fine man, and we will miss him.

Bob and Mary Catherine Myers

June 3, 2021

We were saddened to hear about the death of John. I had the pleasure of knowing him for several years, both as a fellow NASA employee and as a member of First Presbyterian Church. He and his family were fine people. We will miss John.

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