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John Whittington Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Whittington
Janet Wise
April 16, 2007
Dear Maxine, Beth and Ann, I am so sad to hear this news. I will always carry with me many of my favorite childhood memories from being with you all as a kid and the warmth and the love felt in your home. I think of you all often and send love and hugs and kisses. Janet Wise
Anne Avery
April 10, 2007
Dear Maxine, Ann, and Beth,
My thoughts have been with you since John's illness began and I know it has been such a sad time for you.
Big John will also be missed by members of the medical community. When we worked together, it was easy to "feel safe" in the OR with him. He was quite a mentor to me as well as a dear friend.
Sarah Bowden
April 8, 2007
Maxine, Beth, Ann, and family, I was so sorry to hear about John's death. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but from all I've heard and read he was a wonderful man. I'm sorry for your loss of husband and father. I know you will miss him greatly. "No one is ever loss, as he lives in the hearts of those he loved". We love you. Sarah Bowden
Cullen Bowden
April 8, 2007
Dear Whittington Family,
I was so sorry to hear the news. You're in our thoughts and prayers...
James Morris
April 8, 2007
John Whittington was a friend and mentor to me and his passing is a personal loss. He was a great surgeon, leader and supporter of Parkwest Medical Center and the staff there. Big John stood tall, but he had a soft and generous heart. He will be missed.
Wendell & Rosa Phillips
April 7, 2007
To the family of Dr. "Big John" Whittington. You don't know me but I have to send my condolences. My memories go back about 25+ years. Dr. Whittington did several small surgeries on my mother. She was afraid of anything medical, but he had such a calming affect on her. Later, he removed cancers from both my husband and me. I personally had to go for a second opinion, but I knew I'd do whatever Dr.Whittington advised. My husband and I both thank him for saving our lives. I loved reading about his family and the story of how he came to be a surgeon. What a legacy he has left for the ones he loved the most!
Betty Velado
April 7, 2007
My husband, Dr. Carlos Velado, had the pleasure to work with Dr. Whittington in surgery. He always spoke of how great a surgeon he was. If he had ever needed to have surgery, Dr. Whittington would have been the one he would have chosen. I believe this to be the ultimate compliment from one surgeon to another one. My sympathy goes out to the family.
Sincerely, Betty Velado
Tom Neblett
April 6, 2007
Dear Whittington Family,
Dad just shared the news about John's passing, and I write to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I know this is a difficult time for you, and I will keep you in my prayers. What a wonderful legacy he leaves in all those that he helped. I pray that you might feel God's comfort in a very palpable way as you walk through this time. It's been a long time, but I still have warm memories of beach trips and very young growing up memories with Beth and Ann. And, I remember Big Whit's smile, and his laugh, and his kindness. God bless you.
Debbie Via,
April 6, 2007
To the Whittington family:
I was never a "surgery" nurse,
I only worked on the "neuro" floor. Dr. Whittington
was always so kind and caring. Just wanted you to know.
Debbie (Cox) Via
Mary Herbold
April 6, 2007
Big John. A great surgeon. A great person. A great friend. He will be missed. I always enjoyed working with him. My thoughts and prayers with his family.
Richard Choura
April 6, 2007
To Mrs. Whittington and Family:
It is a great sorrow to learn of the passing of Dr. John. I wish to offer my condolences. Dr. John saved me from cancer in 1983. When I was in the hospital it was said he followed up on patients until the early hours of the morning.
He also indirectly saved my wife's life from cancer.
He was a wonderful man and a great doctor and was much appreciated.
Jake Bradsher
April 6, 2007
An old friend. Jacob T. Bradsher, Jr., M.D.
Susan Frye
April 6, 2007
Dr. Whittington was my grandmother's doctor and surgeon back in the mid-70's. May your memories be with you during this difficult time.
David Lynch
April 6, 2007
To the Whittington family,
I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you at this time - a truly great physician has left our midst. I was very fortunate to work at Parkwest Surgery during the 70's & 80's, witnessing the formidable skill of the man referred to by many as "Big John". As the years passed, his talent as a surgeon never ceased to amaze me (it still does, as I think about it) - helping so many people with his gift. But, the "real mark" the man left on me was not what he did with his hands, but what he accomplished with his mind and his heart. He was a healer in so many respects - a giant of a man in more ways than physical stature. There are few like him who come our way. I'm very thankful that our paths crossed, and I got to know "Big John", the man, not just the surgeon.
Randy Pedigo
April 6, 2007
John was a great friend and teacher. I learned more about surgery and being a good doctor from him than I did during my entire residency. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Mike Bowden
April 6, 2007
Dear Mac, Beth & Ann, Sarah & I have been thinking about you all during this tough time. I wish I had the opportunity to know John better. I have always heard wonderful things about John. You're in our prayers. We Love you all. Mike & Sarah Bowden
Bill Babis
April 6, 2007
I'm sure that Doc's "tail spin" ended with a smooth and safe arrival with our Lord. During his life's flight he touched many lives and will be missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Jeanne Willcockson
April 6, 2007
My sympathy to the family of Dr.John
Whittington....my memories are of
highschool days in Paragould...I
graduated with Nell and have some
crazy memories of John and Charles
Robert...what a pair! I understand
John did great things as a very
special Doctor....I was through
Knoxville several years ago and
he took time to chat with me by
phone...I always appreciated that...
My thoughts and prayers to all of
you...especially Nell..God Bless!
Rhonda Perrin Oakes
April 6, 2007
Dear Family of Dr. Whittington, Thank you for the honor of being present as God called one of his great physicians home. If anyone gets to hear our Father say, "Well done my child." it will be Dr. Whittington. I send you prayers of peace and comfort. In His Service,
Karen Eldridge-Dunlap
April 6, 2007
To The Whittington Family ,
My deepest sympathy to you all.I have everyday of my life,thanked the "Big Man" for saving me through the hand's of " Dr Big John "!!!! On Jan.13th , 1973, I was 13 years old and the victim of a gunshot wound from 2 fellow classmates playing with an older brother's gun which had been brought home from his job as a security officer with a local business. My mother had came in the ER room where they had me and was going to be by my side as they didn't have much hope for me ,She left my sight for a few moment's and then I met "Mr. Big John " He was like the biggest ,loudest ,most hugh man I had ever seen ,& I remember he told me I wasn't going anywhere ,and When I woke up , he would be right there . I was going to be his " Lucky " girl . I spent the next 3 mos & 5 Day's ,(which the first 3 1/2 weeks were in ICU fighting for my life ,literally)in the Lord's & this Man's care . I had several surgeries ,numerous lung collapse,I also remember Drs.Vickers & Domm through some of these procedure's ,once Dr.Big John had a black eye & we teased each other unmercifully ,he said I gave it to him , ( because I had to have a hole drilled into my chestand a tube put in it, to get my lung back up & hook a machine up to it to keep the fluid build-up pumped off of it, He brought Dr .Domm in to do this and it was so painful ,immediately after it was put through my chest Dr Big john had them to put me to sleep I remember him patting me on the hand trying to comfort me and then it was black, so he said that is how he got his black eye ,I hit him for introducing Dr Domm to me . You can imagine how this made a 13 year old child laugh . Now , as a grown woman , over the year's I will go back in my mind sometimes & remember,where I learned the true meaning to the word's "Don't Give Up"! and know that the reason He would goad me into a good sparring argument or tell a silly joke it was to make me want to come out of those hurtful ,painful procedures with a smile & determination, not bitterness & defeat, my mother said that one of the surgical nurses there the night I was brought to the Er said she never saw a man work harder than Dr. Big John to keep me "alive & on this green earth ".I could go on & on , He was always there ,He saw me through with my firstborn , from the test, to being there popping up & letting me know he was there and out there in those halls somewhere if I needed him to yell "Dr Big John" as only I could do ,( you see after some of those lung taps & "drilling's , Drs Vickers ,Dr Domm and Dr Big John ,they knew I had a real good set of lung's.)you can only imagine how comforting that was to me @ 16 of just knowing he was out there ,little did he know how much comfort & yes , courage he had just given a young ,scared mother to be going through her first delivery , I was only sixteen and he knew from all the damage to my insides from 3 years earlier what had & hadn't been done , etc ,I was his " Lucky " girl ! My husband ,@ 16 was scared to death of Dr.Big John ,that day after the test confirmed we were going to be parent's ,he talked very sternly to him & told him he had to take very good care of " Lucky" , then He shook his hand from one grown-up man to another & said : "Congradulations young man ,you're going to be a Father" ,no one else took us seriously back then , Dr.Big John was the only one to ever shake his hand & say those word's but he did and that moment was never forgotten by my husband . ( 33 years now still ) He ( my husband) still talks very highly of him .I regret I hadn't kept in touch with him through out the years, I read the obit tonight in the paper and I was sadden. I was just talking about him the other night as i often do , at least a dozen times through out each & every year ,I have never ever or will forget him . I have 33 years of a wonderful marriage , 2 beautiful chidren & 2 adoring beautiful little grandsons , and as my life has grown and evolved ,for every precious moment that I have lived , I have NEVER forgot to take little pause's to close my eyes and say a little "THANK-YOU" to the " Big Man" upstairs & for putting "Dr. Big John" in that emergency room that night!!!! I was never Karen to him , I was always " Lucky ". To me ,he was& will always be " Dr Big John" I will always ,always remember this man !!!! He was truly a "Big Man " ! My Love to each & everyone of you ,always, Karen E.Dunlap
The Staff of Stevens Mortuary
April 6, 2007
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Craig Alleman
April 5, 2007
On behalf of the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard, thank you for letting us serve your family in giving well deserved Full Military Honors for DR. JOHN W. WHITTINGTON. It's because of him and people like him that we continue to be a free nation, one nation under God. God Bless, protect, and guide all of your family, In Jesus name, Amen.
Chaplain Craig Alleman
East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard
Caris Healthcare
April 5, 2007
Beth and family ,
Thank you for entrusting the care of Dr. Whittington to Caris Healthcare. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are here for us should you need anything.
Peace and Blessings,
The Knoxville Caris Healthcare Team
Lisa Beeler
April 5, 2007
Ann and Family
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family in this most difficult time. God Bless you.
Karen Comer-Gilbreath
April 5, 2007
Anne,Mrs. Whittington & Beth,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers with you at this difficult time. It has been quite a while since I have seen you, however, I think of the family often when passing the house. God Bless!
Teresa O'Mary, Executive Director
April 5, 2007
Mrs. Whittington and family, The Hearing and Speech Foundation will greatly miss this wonderful man. Dr. Whittington's service as a board member of the Foundation is a small example of his contribution to the community. His compassion and willingness to serve others less fortunate in our community speaks volumes to his love for humanity. The Foundation has lost a valuable member and the community a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness and loss.
DAISY HUDGINS-JOHNSON
April 5, 2007
WE WILL BE THINKING AND PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR CHIDREN DURING THIS TIME. WE SURE MISS OUR OLDER DOCTORS AT ST. MARY'S.
Jerry Smith
April 5, 2007
Please accept my deepest condolences. On many occasions John shared his love of aviation with me, and I feel blessed to have known him. His pursuit of excellence in aviation will be missed but not forgotten.
barbara andgloria retherford cockrum
April 5, 2007
our prayers are with youall dr.whittington was my dads dr. for along time he was a great man he touched our lives through my dad
Pat Parrott
April 4, 2007
Ann and Beth,
Having worked with both of you and your Father at Parkwest, I wanted you to remember that "Big Doc John's" legacy will live on. His caring bedside manner and skillful hands touched many lives. He will be missed by all of us at Parkwest. With love and prayerful thoughts.
Marilla Cable
April 4, 2007
To Doc's family - Doc was a great man and he will be missed at the airport.. God bless and be with each of you in your time of sorrow.
Jeanie Chaney
April 4, 2007
Extending my deepest sympathy to your family.As a St.Marys ICU nurse of the 70'S,I affectionately remember Dr.Whittington as "BIG JOHN"(pre Parkwest days).He was always ready to teach us as well as entertain us.He will be missed.
Tandy Warwick
April 4, 2007
To the family of Dr. Whittington:
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time. May God Bless each of you and give you Strength to carry on.
Dr. Whittington was one of the kindest men I had ever known, and a great friend. He will be remembered for a long time in many hearts.
April 4, 2007
MRS. WHITTINGTON,BETH AND ANNIE...MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.YOUR HUSBAND AND FATHER IS ONE OF MY MOST DEAREST FRIENDS AND I WILL CHERISH HIS MEMORY ALWAYS. WE WORKED TOGETHER FOR MANY YEARS AT ST. MARY'S OPERATING ROOM, HE TAUGHT ME SO MUCH AND I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE SKILLS HE TAUGHT ME. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS...PAT COMER
PORTA CHAMBERLAIN
April 4, 2007
WHITTINGTON FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. I WORKED AT PARKWEST A FEW YEARS AGO AND I WILL NEVER FORGET THE KINDNESS HE SHOWED ME AND HIS BIG SMILE, EVERY TIME I SAW HIM IN THE HALLS OR WHEREEVER. YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS.
Tom and Peggy Bailey
April 4, 2007
Maxine,
Were sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Jan Tobler
April 4, 2007
Through out my 55+ years I have had the honor to see the compassion and the dedication of "Big John" as he took care of many of my family members over the years. His sweet smile will always be remembered. Our condolences to the family.
Becky Hurst
April 4, 2007
Mrs. Whittington, Beth and Ann
I worked with Dr. Whittington at Parkwest for years and knew he was a great physician and surgeon. Those growing up years at Parkwest are fond memories. He will be greatly missed. I want you to know you are in my prayers.
Steve & Anita Sherlin
April 4, 2007
Dr. Whittington touched our lives through surgery he performed on our daughter Cyndi. We, like so many others, will always be grateful & thankful that he was there for us when we needed him. He touched so many lives. He will be missed. God bless.
Jim and Tonya Segars
April 4, 2007
We are so saddened by the loss of this beautiful man. Words are pathetically inadequate here--please know the entire family are in our hearts and prayers.
Jim and Tonya Segars
JONE MOORE GAULT
April 3, 2007
Dear Beth, Anne and Maxine,
My heart is breaking for you as I know that your family has had to endure the pain and shock of your Daddys death. Please know that we will be praying for you all, and that I love you all even though I don't get to see you like I used to. Remember the happy times, and think what Joy Big John is experiecing in heaven.
Please let me know if I can do anything.
April 3, 2007
Beth, we are so sorry for your loss. Deepest Sympathy, Jacque & Peter Clem
April 3, 2007
my prayers are with the family and friends. Whit was a great man.
Sharon Miller Pryse
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