William (Bill) H. Whitmire Sr.

William (Bill) H. Whitmire Sr., 90, of Cleveland, went to be with his precious Savior on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on Jan. 31, 1932, to Clifford (Pop) and Naomi Lee Whitmire. He was so blessed to have wonderful, godly parents. His mother, Naomi, was such a strong Christian influence in his life that molded him into the humble servant that he was. He was a faithful member of the North Cleveland Church of God for 83 years. He served in many areas of the church, such as the church trustee for over 52 years, a founding member of the Crusader Choir, Church Council and Unity Sunday school class. His true passion was serving the less fortunate and children on mission trips with the Men and Women of Action. He was blessed to have taken his grandsons on several of these trips.

He was married to Charleen Middleton Whitmire for over 60 years. She preceded him in death in 2012. He served his community in various areas, such as on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs, and Optimist Club. He served the United Way and worked with Habitat for Humanity. He retired from Weyerhaeuser as an administrative manager after 40-plus years.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Naomi Whitmire; wife, Charleen Whitmire; and younger brother, the Rev. Bob Whitmire, and his wife, Jean Whitmire.

His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandsons. He leaves behind a son, William (Billy) Whitmire Jr. and wife, Peggy; daughter, Julia Whitmire; his three grandsons, William Whitmire III (Miriam) of Cleveland, Matthew Whitmire and wife, Holly, of Nashville, and Joshua Jones and wife, Emily, of Nashville; 10 great-grandchildren; nephew, the Rev. Mike (Sandy) Whitmire; and several nieces and nephews.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Hearth Hospice and his wonderful caregivers, Heather, Abby and Brandy, and to his special friend, Dot Pots. The family appreciates all the love and prayers that were received during our dad’s illness; even in sickness, he was truly blessed.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, at North Cleveland Church of God with Pastors Mark Williams and Mike Whitmire officiating.

Interment will follow at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Jimmy Goddard, Rick Hyde, Steve Hyde, Jackie Carroll, Amado Waycott and Steve Gaither serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Unity Sunday school class. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony and the playing of the bagpipes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards the North Cleveland Church of God Benevolence Fund, the Unity Sunday School Class or Men and Women of Action.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Whitmire family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.