All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Freddie Lewis Whited

Freddie Lewis Whited passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, in Elkins, WV. 

He was the 10th of 14 children born on January 25, 1942, in Charleston, WV, to Lonzo F. and Reba Mullins Whited. He was raised in Walton, WV, and was a graduate of Walton High School, Class of 1960, where he was an accomplished musician (baritone) and drum major. 

After high school, he moved to Washington, DC, where he was employed by Potomac Electric Power and met his wife of 60 years, Shannon, who he married in June 1963.

Preceding Freddie in death were his parents and nine of his siblings (Eloise Anderson, Gene, Robert, Billy, David, Donald, Charles, Barbara Taylor, Jerry). 

Surviving siblings are Nancy Cox, Elaine Dawson, Mary Schrader (Joe), and Martha Abbott.  He is survived by his wife, Shannon Whited, of Buckhannon, son Regan Whited (Brigitte) of Siegelsbach, Germany, son Ryan Whited (Corinne) of Brinklow, MD, sister-in-law Kristen Montgomery, of Buckhannon, and brother-in-law Bradley Montgomery (Barbara), of Buckhannon. 

He leaves behind two grandsons, Julien Whited and Kyle Spillane (Hayley), and one granddaughter, Lena Shae Whited.

Freddie had a successful 30-year career with Moore Business Forms, where he served in numerous management positions at the Buckhannon plant including Finishing Department Supervisor and Manufacturing Manager.  He was a hardworking problem-solver and earned a U.S. patent in 1990 for developing an innovative airline baggage tag using Moore products.  He finished his career in Nacogdoches, TX, and retired from Moore in 1997. 

Not one to sit idly at home, he went on to have a successful second career with Rite-Aid as an assistant manager at numerous stores in West Virginia and Maryland. Freddie loved to travel and would often speak of his trips around the U.S. addressing quality control issues for Moore.  Outgoing and jovial, he enjoyed meeting people and socializing wherever he went.  He was especially fond of his journeys to Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, and Myrtle Beach with his family. 

Later in life, he became an avid golfer and relished any opportunity to hit the links with his sons. Freddie was a loving and devoted father and grandfather who always put his family first.  He was an early riser who enjoyed coffee and donuts along with conversations about his children and grandchildren, in whom he took great pride.  He loved the outdoors and spent his retirement years gardening, maintaining his yard, and making applesauce. 

He attended Nay Chapel United Methodist Church for 60 years, where he taught Sunday School and served as Superintendent. 

Friends will be received Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM at the Nay Chapel United Methodist Church. A funeral service will begin at 2 PM. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Ellamore, WV. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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