George (Buddy) Alfred Whitman

1923 - 2023

George (Buddy) Alfred Whitman, 100, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed into heaven on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the University of Missouri Hospital. He was born on October 7, 1923, in Alachua, Florida, to William Clyde and Elvia Whitman née Johnson.
Buddy grew up in Cross Creek, Florida, with his brother, William Clyde (W.C.) Jr. They enjoyed fishing, swimming, and catching alligators. In high school, Buddy played basketball. In 1941, he joined the Navy and fought in World War II. He was proud of his veteran status and of his fellow service members, which led to his participation in the local 40 & 8, a veteran and service member honor society.
On January 15, 1945, he married Lea (Betty) Eleanor Whitman née Holtzclaw. They adopted a daughter, Stacy Lea, and had one son, Kyle Dean (stillborn). Their nephew, Kenneth Wayne Whitman, often commented that Buddy and Betty treated him like their own.
Buddy began working at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1949. He worked several positions before retiring after 36 years.
Buddy and Betty had a large friend group full of kind, funny, caring people with whom they went dancing, traveled, played cards, golfed, and attended Moose Lodge events. They were always welcoming people into their home, hobbies, and vacations to Branson, Florida, Michigan, and the Southwest.
They were incredibly happy with the arrival of their three grandchildren, Kaley, Jenna, and Ryan, whom they also included in their adventures. Buddy especially enjoyed teaching them to fish.
Buddy had a deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ and attended First Christian Church in Sedalia for 74 years.
George Whitman is survived by his daughter, Stacy Hobbs; grandchildren, Kaley Hobbs (Dustin Schilb), Jenna Benson (Dustin), and Ryan Miller; and four great-grandchildren, Hunter and Caroline Benson and Cooper and Parker Schilb.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, wife, and brother.
The service will be held at First Christian Church in Sedalia, Missouri, on Sunday, January 7, 2023. The family will receive people from 2 to 3, and the memorial service will begin at 3.
Buddy encouraged his family to make donations at Christmas time, rather than giving to each other, so in lieu of flowers, please give to Pettis County Community Santa or support veterans by giving to Fisher House Foundations.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nilson-Millard Cremation and Burial Center, 5611 E. St. Charles Road, Columbia, MO 65202. 573-474-8443. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.nilsonfuneralhome.com.