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2006 SESSION
WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Henry W. Whittle, a native son, was called to glory on August 8, 2005, after a lifetime devoted to the gospel ministry, Christian missions and evangelism, and exercising his unique gifts in the Ministry of Helps; and
WHEREAS, a native of Jarrett, Virginia, Reverend Whittle grew up in Petersburg and later moved to Richmond, where he had to drop out of school to care for his ill mother and younger sister; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 34, he returned to Maggie Walker High School in Richmond and earned his high school diploma two years later in 1948; graduated from Virginia Union University in 1974, where he earned the bachelor of arts degree; and later was awarded an honorary doctorate of ministry degree from the Richmond Virginia Seminary in recognition of his community service; and
WHEREAS, as a Master Sergeant in the United States Army, he served his country honorably in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam; participated on Army bowling and boxing teams; and served as head coach of a unit football team before retiring from the Army in 1971; and
WHEREAS, after serving 28 years in the United States Army, Reverend Whittle was called into ministry, and his work included helping to lead the Boy Scout Troops at Fifth Street Baptist Church and at Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Richmond, where he was ordained and served faithfully as the Minister of Visitation and Boy Scout Troop leader; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Whittle was actively engaged in the community and participated in several civic organizations, among them Masonic organizations, the Astoria Beneficial Club, and the Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond and Vicinity; and he was a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and
WHEREAS, Reverend Whittle served as the chaplain and an executive committee member for the Richmond Branch NAACP for nearly 30 years and chaired the organization's scholarship committee, which has been renamed the Henry W. Whittle Book Awards and whose proceeds will be used to help selected students pay for college textbooks; and
WHEREAS, he also promoted financial support for the Children's Home of Virginia Baptists, Inc., and his tireless commitment to raising funds for the Richmond Branch NAACP's scholarship program earned him the nickname "Candy Man," because he was seldom seen without a box of candy for sale; and
WHEREAS, his pastor remarked that Reverend Whittle was so devoted to service that it often seemed he reached the hospital before the patient arrived; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Whittle, the quintessential volunteer, loved to help and comfort people and traveled throughout Richmond to extend compassion and encouragement to others, even ministering in the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center chapel and visiting other patients during his own hospitalization; and
WHEREAS, a warm, outgoing, and thoughtful man, Reverend Whittle never pastored a church during his sojourn in the ministry; however, he had a special gift that allowed him to connect with the faithful and the unchurched; the sick and shut-in; the bereaved; and persons in need of love, care, and support; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Whittle was eulogized as "God's handyman," and his delight was in fulfilling the divine call upon his life of helping others; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Whittle's faithfulness and passion for people will never be forgotten, particularly by his family and those whom he touched; and "his works do follow him"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Reverend Dr. Henry W. Whittle; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Reverend Dr. Henry W. Whittle, "God's handyman."