Jimmy Talmage Whiteside, 84, Alpharetta, Ga., departed from this life February 28, 2020 at Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming, Ga. He was born March 28,1935 in Hickory Flat, one of five children born to DeWitt Whiteside and Rethie Taylor Whiteside.
He attended Myrtle High School and was a member of the 1952 graduating class. A man of great intellect, he furthered his studies at the University of Mississippi and graduated in 1958 with an engineering degree. He used his intellect and college degree to serve his nation by enlisting in the United States Army, Critical Skills Systems, for many years. After his time in the military came to an end, he found employment with the Huyck Felt Corporation as a design engineer. He later opened his own business, Houses of Distinction, in which he designed and built homes.
He loved spending time in the outdoors where he was nearest the Lord’s creations. A man with a green thumb, he spent many hours digging the dirt and carefully cultivating a variety of flowers and vegetables. He found relaxation fishing on the Sanders Farm overlooking the cotton patch, as well as caring for the cats he rescued. He and the words Ole Rebel were synonymous for those who new him. He more than an Alumni, dedicated fan was a more fitting term.
February 6, 1957 marks the date his life changed forever. He married love of his life, Lavern Sanders Whiteside, on this day. The couple spent a timeless 63 years together abounding with love and decades of memories. He was a God fearing man, who served in several church worship teams as bass player. He held the esteemed title of deacon and Sunday teacher. He didn’t simply pass away, he held in his soul the cure to death, a relationship with Jesus.
He leaves his beloved family to carry his precious memory, loving wife, Lavern Sanders Whiteside; daughter, Scarlett Whiteside Nelson, and sister-in-law, Ann Sanders Downing. He was preceded in death by his parents, DeWitt and Rethie Taylor Whiteside; infant daughter, Rosemaire Whiteside; sisters, Clyde Hathron, Erline Morehead, Marjorie Simmons and Vivian Whiteside.
A celebration of his life was Monday at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dale Hathorn and Bro. Bobby Whiteside officiating the service.
Richard Bryant, Billy Clark, James Edward Clark, Brian Harrison, Larry Kelly, Henry Clay Morehead, Paul Nolan, Wallace Norman, E.L. Vowell, and Hugh Whiteside carried him to his final resting place in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. Honorary pallbearers were his beloved friends from Mississippi.
Expressions of sympathy may be composed at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com.