Frederick Thomas "Buddy" Whittington Sr.

Frederick T. "Buddy" Whittington, Sr, 87 of Chesapeake, VA passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in his home with his loving wife and daughters by his side. Mr. Whittington was born September 8, 1936, in Harnett County, NC and was the son of the late Edgar Thomas and Annie Weaver Whittington. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Frederick Thomas Whittington, Jr. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The care of his family was foremost in his life.
After marrying his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Savonne Eanes, they left NC for a life in Portsmouth and Chesapeake, VA where they have remained for 64 years. Buddy worked for Luke Construction and Shoreline Contractors for 41 years where he rose to VP and General Superintendent. He oversaw the building of the many bridges and overpasses we all travel today on interstate 64. He served his country proudly in the Navy Reserves for 17 years and is a member of Deep Creek United Methodist Church.
Buddy was well known in the Deep Creek community for his warm smile and giving spirit. He spent 15 years coaching many young ladies to victory for the Deep Creek Girls Softball Association and served as their President for several years during the 1970s and 80s. He is still referred to today by many as "Coach" here in the community. He built their confidence and a winning spirit through hard work, practice and strongly believing in each and every one of them.
Buddy was a committed Mason and was raised as a member of the Lake Drummond Masonic Lodge No. 178 in 1994. He was a Life Member in Perpetuity, served as Worshipful Master in 2004, District Deputy Grand Master of the 36 th Masonic District in 2016 and was the recipient of the James E. Morgan Ritualistic Excellence Award in 2016. Buddy was also a member of Great Bridge Lodge No. 247 since 2007, Cradock Royal Arch Chapter No. 72, Khedive Shrine Member, Khedive Chevy's (formally the Camaro's), the Chesapeake Shrine Club and the Order of the Eastern Star, Victory Chapter No. 16, past Worthy Patron.
Surviving are his loving wife Savonne Eanes Whittington to whom he was married for 68 years; their daughters, Glenys Atwood (Steve) of Smithfield, VA, Jatana L. Whittington of Chesapeake, VA and Lisa W. Pompa (Russell) of Virginia Beach, VA., their 4 grandchildren Kristen Rickmond, Logan Naramore, G. Russell Pompa, Jr and Danielle Pompa Andersen (Zach), great grandchildren Phillip Kunkle, Christoper and Hope Rickmond, great great grandchildren Rose and Phillip Kunkle, Jr and his sisters Brenda Paige (Wilton) and Marian Bryd (Connie) of Apex, NC.
The family will receive friends on Thursday Evening April 4,2024 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Oman Funeral Home and Crematory, 653 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday April 5, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at Deep Creek United Methodist Church, 141 George Washington Highway N. Chesapeake, Va 23323. Rev. Ryan LaRock will officiate. Masonic Rites will be accorded in the church. A reception will immediately follow at Lake Drummond Masonic Lodge, 509 George Washington Highway N. Chesapeake, VA 23322. Interment will be private for the family only in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake, VA. The family requests that contributions be made to the Masonic Home of Virginia, c/o www.tmcfunding.com. Friends are invited to share memories, condolences, and to sign the online guestbook at omanfh.com.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to NEST Senior Consulting who provided amazing support with their Care Provider Team and to the nurses at Chesapeake Regional Home and Supportive Care. Thank you for ensuring Dad's last days were filled with love, compassion and gentle care.