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Paul Whitlark Obituary

Paul Daniel Whitlark COLUMBIA - Paul Daniel Whitlark, 58, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017, after battling cancer. He was born December 28, 1958, in Columbia, S.C. Paul is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ferreri Whitlark, and twin daughters, Hannah and Natalie Whitlark, the ultimate joys of his life. He is also survived by his brothers, Henry Whitlark (Barbara), Forrest Whitlark (Taryn), Mark Whitlark, twin brother, Dr. Joseph Whitlark (Linda), and Kevin Whitlark (Lisa); his sisters, Mary Margaret "Merge" Ballou (Paul), Catharine Nold (Mark), and Faith Maraldo (Eddie); and 37 much-loved nieces and nephews, 20 great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great grand-nephew. Paul graduated from Cardinal Newman High School and then went on to earn a B.A. degree in English from Canisius College. After graduating college, He went into business with his brother, Forrest Whitlark, David Melson and Tom Dudek, opening up Rockaway Athletic Club and Pizza Man, in Columbia, S.C. Paul was known and loved near and far. He never met a stranger and always had an entertaining tale to tell or a joke to share, a true story-teller. He was larger than life to those who knew him and a local icon. He was a quick-witted man with a sharp sense of humor. He also had great compassion for those in need and was a silent donor to several charitable foundations. Paul leaves behind a void which can never be filled but gave us enough memories to last a lifetime. He will be missed more than our words could ever express. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Christine Whitlark, sister, Anna Christine "Steenie" Medina, brothers, Gordon Whitlark, John Whitlark and Alan Whitlark. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 29th at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Fr. Matthew Gray. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina/Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center of the Blind, 123 Hancock Road, Sunset, SC 29685.

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Published by The State on Apr. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Whitlark

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Chris Beis

April 22, 2024

I can't believe it has been 7 years since you passed,my brother. I still think of you often and it brings a smile to my face. You were a great guy,Paul and you are missed. Miss you,love you my brother,Chris Beis

Derrick A Washington

April 30, 2023

Paul you will never be forgotten . Memories of you from back in the day always bring a smile to my face . You never seemed to let anything get you down . On behalf of all your teammates/classmates from 1977 , your memory is a blessing .

Derrick A Washington

Frank Caggiano

April 21, 2023

Hard to believe it's been six years. The Rock and Pizza Man have never been the same for me. I miss that warm and ever present smile and the pure generosity of his spirit. We would be a far better community, state and nation if there were more people like Paul who walked among us.

GEORGE C BEIS

April 21, 2023

Pauly,I can't believe its been 6 years! Still miss you. And talk about often at The Rockaway when having a drink or when I run into people.Love you,Bro,Chris Beis

Devonna Taylor

August 25, 2022

Hey Paul, you handsome, hilarious, caring, kind, intelligent childhood bud. Many years have passed but I still remember the sincerity and warmth of our friendship hugs. Until we meet again...

chris beis

April 21, 2022

Paul,I really can't believe it's been 5 years since your passing. I think about you often and still miss you,my brother. I still look back at our working relationship @ The OLD Rockaway and it always makes me smile! Take care my friend,miss you and love you,my man! Chris Beis

Chris BEIS

April 21, 2021

Pauly, I can't believe it has been 4 years since you passed. I still miss you,brother! Now you are looking down from Heaven with Woody,J.C. & Jimmy and all ya'll, I'm sure are having a cold one and smiling at us. Still miss you, still Love you,my brother. Chris Beis

Kelly Wingate

April 21, 2020

Paul, miss you today and will miss you tomorrow and......wish you were still here, but you are here in spirit and in our hearts forever! To your family, please know I am thinking of you also; bless you all!!!

chris beis

April 21, 2020

I cannot believe it has been 3 years,Paul! Still miss you like the brother you were to me. I am dog gone sure you are in a much better place than here. I know you are looking down on us from Heaven with a cold one in your hand and smiling! Love you,bro and miss you,
Chris Beis

Bill Oliver

May 24, 2017

Paul was a dear and loyal friend, who I called "brother". and my heart sank when I got the News of his passing. God bless you brother, I am truly going to miss you, much love to you Pauly...And my prayers go out to the entire Whitlark Family.

cindi giddings

May 16, 2017

I knew Paul since the doors of Rockaway opened and beer was in a cooler and sold for 80 cents apiece. I no longer live in Columbia, but the first place I went when I visited recently was Pizza Man. Paul,You were a friend and may you rest in peace. you will be missed by many. cindi giddings

Duncan Breckenridge

May 13, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear about Paul. All of you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

Yvonne Basil

May 9, 2017

Elizabeth, Natalie and Hannah- I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Yvonne Basil

Melinda (Missy) Mitchell

May 8, 2017

Still stunned by the news, I thought I would see Paul at the next reunion of the class of '77. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to Paul's family and many friends.

Frank Caggiano

May 6, 2017

Dear Whitlark Family, I was stunned to learn of Paul's passing and that I somehow missed this tragic event; I remember Paul with great respect, admiration and affection. Losing John Forrester and now Paul is a sea change in my life. A turn of the century British minister, Charles Spurgeon, is credited with saying "A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble." There is no doubt that Paul's name and legacy is carved on countless grateful hearts. My love and prayers to all of your family. Sincerely, Frank Caggiano

Hub Plott

May 5, 2017

Thoughts and prayers to all. Paul and Rockaways were a big part of my life from college thru today. He will be missed!

Mary Barth

May 2, 2017

My deepest condolences to theWhitlark family. He was a one-of-a-kind individual and was never forgotten by the people of Buffalo. Truly amazing interesting kindest person you've ever met. I am sorry for your loss.

Renee Brown Giacomone

May 2, 2017

My deepest sympathy to all. Paul was a one of kind great spirited memorable guy. He will be missed.

Eileen Sullivan

April 30, 2017

To all the Whitlark's, I am so very sorry for the loss of Paul. May God bless you during this difficult time.

Mike Alderman

April 30, 2017

Thinking of Paul. Paul's personality accentuates how Whitlarks make you feel like family.

Cynthia Edwards

April 30, 2017

I have only fond memories of Paul and his family from the original Rockaway years. Paul was always very cordial to me, my sister and our friends. He made us feel welcome - we always felt safe at the Rock! I remember how proud and happy he was telling everyone about his babies!!! My sincere condolences to his wife and children and to his family. He will be missed.

Keith Crosthwaite

April 29, 2017

Paul was one of the most memorable people that I have met in my life. His friendship during our years at Cardinal Newman was so valuable to me at a time when I was trying to find myself. I pray that his family will feel God's Presence, Love, and Peace throughout this difficult time of grief.

Penny Calcina

April 29, 2017

Liz, Natalie and Hannah, I am thinking of each of you and holding you close in my heart!

Ricky Floyd

April 29, 2017

My deepest condolences to Liz, Hannah, Natalie, Forest, Mark, Joe, Kevin and the Whitlark Family. Paul had a big heart who never met a stranger friends with everyone. Known Paul and the Whitlarks since early 70's. When visiting RAC back in the day, Paul made everyone feel special with his kind hospitality. A big part of RAC success. Rest in Peace Paul. My prayers are with the Whitlark family.

"Jake" Duncan

April 29, 2017

John, Diana, and I will always expect to wave at Paul walking as we drive down Old Woodlands. The Eagles( Grandmas)/ Rapid pizza parties were special events courtesy of Paul.

RIP , my friend

Ricky Floyd

April 29, 2017

My deepest condolences to Liz, Hannah, Natalie, Forest, Mark, Joe, Kevin and the entire Whitlark family. Paul had a big heart who never met a stranger friends with everyone. When visiting RAC back in the day he made you feel special with his hospitality a big part of their success. Rest in Peace Paul in heaven. My prayers are with the Whitlark family.

Betsy Siemers

April 29, 2017

Liz, Hannah, and Natalie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Paul loved you so deeply and was so proud of you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

April 29, 2017

Amy Weston Yarbrough

Joe Malloy

April 28, 2017

Liz, we are very saddened to hear of Paul's passing. Paul was always so nice to our children, especially Brendan. We will keep you in our prayers. Joe and Terri Malloy

Helen Breckenridge

April 28, 2017

Kevin, Joe, Mark and to the rest of your family so sorry for your loss. Lots of fond memories growing up on Northshore, ping pong and pool, icons in open and closed in car ports for practically every one growing up. I always remember Paul having such a sweet disposition. Comfort 's!

Pam Scott

April 28, 2017

RIP Paul, You will be so missed every day but will be remembered at PizzaMan and RockAways every day by all who loved you ! Hear us share the stories and memories of all the great times you shared with so many! Prayers for the entire Whitlark family!

Dee Roberts

April 28, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Whitlark family. I will miss Paul. I have known him for over 28 years. I remember the great times at the Original Rockaways! My coworkers and I, at Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, will miss seeing him every week. He would sometimes surprise us with pizza for breakfast. He was very thoughtful. He would come in and run his coins through our coin counter, which sometimes took a while and he would always entertain us while he was doing it. He had that unique way about him. RIP.

April 28, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Video Solutions, Brett Blanks and JJ Martin

Anne Frate

April 28, 2017

I kind of felt like you would always be there - making sure everyone else was taken care of. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go to the Whitlark family.

Tripp, Paticia and Legaci

April 28, 2017

We shall miss you, Paulie, our beloved Southern Irish Catholic Pizza Man! Your love, your humor, your generous spirit made good days great and bad days bearable . We know you are embarking on a new adventure...just remember to leave some crumbs on the trail so we can follow.

Thank you Liz, Hannah, Natalie, as well as all of the Whitlark Family for sharing this wonderful man with the rest of us!

April 28, 2017

Please accept my sincere condolences. We lost our Liz year and a half ago, she and Paul were classmates. May they praise the Lord together now.
Paula Gorgey

Joyce Kinney English

April 28, 2017

Prayers of comfort to the family of a very special man. I have fond memories of Paul at Cardinal Newman, class of 1977. Such a loss to his family, friends and the community.

Christina Knauss

April 28, 2017

So very sorry for your loss. Paul was a wonderful man and I was glad to know him. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

April 28, 2017

All of the Whitlarks are in my thoughts and prayers.
Agnes Frazier Richard, Richmond, Va.

Marilyn H. and Marty Ludwig

April 28, 2017

Keeping the Whitlark family in our thoughts and in our prayers.

Ginnie, Matthew and Daniel Lacoste

April 27, 2017

So sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Charles Brooks

April 27, 2017

I've know the Whitlark Family since 1952... a long long time...all are priceless gifts from God. God Bless all the Whitlar's...especially the soul and the family of Paul Whitlark....

Billy Pittenger

April 27, 2017

Much too young to be taken from us, condolences to Whitlark family.

Ann and Mike Leath

April 27, 2017

Our condolences to the Whitlark family. May God comfort you during this very difficult time.

Nancy Leath Chastain

April 27, 2017

Lifting up prayers for all the family during this difficult time. God's love, strength, comfort, and peace will see you through the days ahead. God bless .

Cheryl Anderson McLaughlin

April 27, 2017

Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire Whitlark family. Paul will be missed by his Cardinal Newman friends and the Rosewood community.

Beth Bruckmann McShane

April 27, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Whitlark family. Very sad news. When I think about my time living in Columbia as a college student during the mid 80's, Paul was a huge part of it. I loved working at RAC. Every time I tell a Paul Whitlark story, I have everyone laughing. He was one of a kind.

Randy & Joanna Ellis

April 27, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Whitlark family. Paul will be missed, we have many memories of him. Always friendly a true friend. We will miss you, Rest in Peace.

Derrick Washington

April 27, 2017

This is such sad news . I will always remember the good times we all had together playing football back in high school. My condolences to his family.
You will always b remembered.

Kelly Wingate

April 27, 2017

I've known Paul for over 35 years and love him dearly; such a huge heart! Words just cannot express how much Paul will be missed. To the entire Whitlark family, you are ALL in my thoughts and prayers. With love......

Janis Regan Mullinax

April 27, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all who loved Paul!

Jim & Nina Jeffcoat

April 27, 2017

We are so sorry to hear this. He was such a friendly guy with a great sense of humour.

John Morales

April 27, 2017

So sad to hear of Paul's passing-my deepest condolences

April 27, 2017

So sad to see Paul pass my deepest condolences John Morales

Alice Perritt

April 27, 2017

So sorry to hear this news. Paul will be missed. My sympathies to all of the family.

Bruce Chavious

April 27, 2017

Love and light my old friend. My condolences to the Whitlark family. Rest in peace until we meet again..
"People come and people go, but the ones who stay we all shall know."

Karen Owens

April 27, 2017

Thankful to have known you and sorry that it's been so long since I last saw you. Your family is in my prayers, and I trust you are in God's comforting care.

Lisa Elliott

April 27, 2017

Whitlark family
I am devastated to hear about the loss of Paul! His humor and kindness will be my fondest memories of this beautiful soul! I wish I had words to express my heart felt sorrow.

Peggy Linton

April 27, 2017

So sorry for your loss, Whitlark family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jay McAlister

April 27, 2017

Rest in Peace, Paul.

My deepest sympathy to the Whitlark family. May the Lord comfort you and grant you peace and strength.

Godspeed.

Mark Nold

April 27, 2017

We Love You Uncle Paul. You beat us to the finish line but now you're cheering us on. We will see you soon!!!

Lara South

April 27, 2017

A well loved man and one of my favorite employers ever. Paul possessed an intelligence that was truly enlightening and his spirit embraced life with such gusto that you felt better just being around his style of joy. Regal man that crowned my favorite lifetime libation. I salute you Sir always in my heart. Hugs to Liz and his family. You will be missed.

April 27, 2017

To All the Whitlock family, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Although it has been some time since I have seen Paul, we would always had some old childhood memories to look back on growing up. He will truly be missed Sincerely,
Mark Rich

Bobbie & Steve Sonefeld

April 27, 2017

Very sorry for your loss! RIP Paul!

Debbie McDaniel

April 27, 2017

I don't think I can even remember not knowing you. From the old Rockaway location to Pizza Man you always made me smile. Love and light to all of your family.

DAVID ISAACS

April 27, 2017

Thoughts & prayers to the family during this difficult time...
David Isaacs & Family

April 27, 2017

To All the Whitlarks,I'm truly sorry for the loss of your Brother,Paul. He truly was one of a kind! Having known and worked for Paul,my life was all the better for it.Paul,rest in peace and thank you for having made me one of your brothers!!!
Love & Prayers,Chris Beis

Mary Hill

April 27, 2017

May the love of family and friends carry you through this difficult time. Continue to be the strong family I remember.
Cherish your beautiful memories of Paul.
Mary Stier Hill

Wanda McMurray

April 27, 2017

My heart is heavy! Paul was always kind and loving always attending to others at the RAC. Gods blessings be always with Liz and his precious girls and Paul's entire family. Rest in peace.

April 27, 2017

I love you and will miss you little brother. Be careful who you pick as your Bridge partner.

Boogsie Jr.

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