William Joseph "Bill" Whitfield, Sr.

William Joseph Whitfield Sr. passed away at home on October 17, 2020. He was born in Birmingham on September 13, 1931. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Truitt Whitfield, his parents, David Leo Whitfield and Jessie Holley Whitfield, and brother, Robert Whitfield. 

Bill graduated from Ensley High School and Howard College, now Samford University. From 1951-1953, Bill served in the Air Force in Spokane, WA; after returning to Alabama, he was employed at U.S. Steel for 30 years. In his church, he was an active deacon for 56 years, first at Central Park Baptist Church and later Macedonia Baptist Church. He had a passion for travel, especially camping trips to America’s national parks. One of his many legacies was to instill in his children and grandchildren an appreciation for these special places of spiritual restoration and beauty. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and taking care of his Chilton County property. 

To his family and those who knew him well, “Papa Bill” was a quiet servant-leader who was always faithful, generous, kind, and ready to help anyone who needed him. 

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  James 3:13

He is survived by: daughter, Karen (Forrest) Whitfield Davis of Hoover, son, Bill (Suzanne) Whitfield Jr. of Hoover, and son, Tim (Sue) Whitfield of Wilsonville; granddaughter, Valerie (Greg) Salinas of Hoover; grandsons: Andrew (Jen-Yu) Davis of Hoover, Daniel (Magen) Davis of Hoover, and Ben (Lesley) Whitfield of Walnut Creek, CA; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Anne Doster of Lawrenceburg, TN.

Visitation will take place Thursday, October 22nd   from 10-11:00am at Ellison Memorial Funeral Home, 1709 Lay Dam Road, Clanton, Alabama, with funeral service at 11. A private family burial will follow at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Officiants will be Rev. David Bishop and Rev. Zack Bates. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Macedonia Baptist Church, 850 County Road 36, Maplesville, AL 36750.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com