Julian B. Whigham

WHIGHAM, JULIAN B., of Sanford, FL, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2007. J.B., as he was known to his family and numerous friends and relatives, died after a long battle with heart disease and several related illnesses. J.B. was born in South Alabama on February 21, 1920. He grew up in a family of twelve children whose father, Bertie Franklin Whigham, was a Church of Christ minister and whose mother, Minnie Weeks Whigham, assumed the duties of the minister's wife. He was educated at the local public schools. He met his wife, Millie, as he enlisted in the Army and they were married January 7, 1943. J.B. was a member of the United States Corps of Army Engineers and left for World War II on November 25, 1943. He rose to the rank of Captain and his military accomplishments were a source of great pride to his family. He returned from the war as one of the most decorated soldiers from Southeast Alabama having received the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart and the Belgian Croix De Guerre. After operating a furniture business in Opp, AL, for several years. J.B. and his family moved to Sanford, where he established Whigham Furniture Company in Orlando in 1960. J.B. quickly became an integral part of the Sanford community and was known throughout the area as a man who loved his family, was a staunch supporter of education and was an avid fisherman. After J.B.'s retirement, he devoted his time to his family and friends, always offering good company, good food, and sound advice for those who spent time with him. He was known throughout the community as an excellent cook and was pleased to provide lunch or dinner for all of his and his children's friends. While he never knew how many people were coming to eat, some of his happiest times were when he and his wife, Millie were engaged in this kind of event. J.B. was predeceased by his beloved wife Millie on November 23, 2006. They had been married 63 years at the time of her death. He and Millie were most proud of their seven children: Buck Whigham (Fran), Karen Whigham Coleman who passed away on March 30, 2007 (Roger), Frank Whigham (Beth), Tom Whigham, deceased October 18, 1988, Becky Smith (David), John Whigham (Kit) and Mark Whigham (Claudia). Life will never be the same for their children, but the examples and life lessons they provided will be remembered always. In addition to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, J.B. is survived by his sisters, Jewel Pridgen, Sarah Grimes, and Mary Ellen Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, he is survived by two caregivers and special friends, Frances Goodman and Sharon Redlin. J.B. will be greatly missed by all who knew, loved and respected him. Visitation with the family will be held at the Oaklawn Chapel of Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 from 1PM until the 2PM services to honor J.B.'s life and accomplishments immediately following the visitation. Chaplain Mike Caroline will officiate. Interment will take place following the service at the Oaklawn Park Cemetery. Arrangements being handled by BALDWIN FAIRCHILD OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 5000 County Rd. 46A, Sanford, FL, 407-322-4263. Please view and sign the family guestbook at www.baldwinfairchild.com