Charles A. Whitson
May 5, 1920 ~ September 23, 2004
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Charles A. Whitson, 84, of Asheville, died Thursday, September 23, 2004, at Memorial Mission Hospital.
A native of Swannanoa, he was a son of the late George W. and Elsie MacMillan Whitson. He attended NC State University and NYU receiving degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering.
Charles worked for Grumman Aerospace for 43 years with projects including the Hell Cat and Wild Cat Navy fighters of World War II fame and later on the Lunar Module and Tom Cat fighters before retiring to Washington, NC and then to Asheville.
He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman whose favored activities included hunting, hiking, fishing and skiing. He and his wife also sailed the east coast and lived on the Pamlico River in Washington, NC before returning to Buncombe County last year.
Survivors include his wife Elizabeth Vietor Whitson; a son, John C. Whitson of Farmingdale, NY; a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Wilcoxen of Raleigh; a sister, Ruth Whitson of Asheville and six grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Frank J. Seabo officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Cemetery.
Mr. Whitson will be taken to the church Monday evening for a Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Vincent dePaul Society, c/o St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 102 Andrew Place, Swannanoa, NC 28778.
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Dear Betty & Family,
We are sorry to hear of you lost. Charlie was a wonderful man,always caring and sharing. Fred and I enjoyed our times with you guys.
Fred and Evelyne Roberson
Dear Betty, Our prayers for you, your son and daughter. Charley was a wonderful person, kind and generous to all. Such a part of our becoming new members of Washington, Mother of Mercy and especially Moms and Pops. We thank God daily for couples than extend themselves with such joy and confidence in life. May you find comfort and peace. In Sympathy and love, The Schramms, Art & Ethel
We are so sorry to hear about Charlie and express our deepest sympathy to Betty and your family.
Dear Betty,
We just got in and heard of Charlie’s passing. We are so very sorry.
Sincerely,
Lori & Greg West
Dear Mrs. Whitson, MB and family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I always respected and admired Mr Whitson. I will always have the fond memory of the gimlets and martinis Mr Whitson made in my apt during your visit in Boston.
I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always especially at this time.
Love, Winnie
Dear Betty and Family;
We were so very sorry to hear about Charlie’s death. You can be sure he is with the Lord now and forever. He was such a wonderful man. Love, Harry & Irene
we remember charlie fondly. especially his patience at horse shows! i have never seen a more patient man. he tackled every task with precise organization. always cheerful and optimistic. we are glad to have known him and will miss him. our love and prayers to betty all the family.
Dear Betty and family, I will be praying for you all during this difficult time. What a joyful time I had today holding your grandson, Matthew. Please know that your loved one is with Jesus and you will see him again. In Christ’s love, the organist at St. Margaret-Mary’s, Karen Parsons
On behalf of the Tate family, we wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Katie and Matthew Tate
Betty we missed you guys on Long Island while we were still there, but after moving to Florida in 1998 and keeping more up to date via E-mails thru Bob Blauvelt, we felt closer than before. We especially remember the sailing on Long Island waters and where you attended Mass on Sunday Mornings away from Thorman Lane. Please accept our deepest condolences with your (our) loss. Our memories will remain happy ones. Bob & Joyce Noe
We have not seen each other since retirement from Grumman, after working together many ,many years. I have many fond memories of Charlie during that time. Charlie had a wonderful life and you Betty were a very important part of it.God’s blessings on you and your family.
BETTY AND FAMILY,
PLEASE ACCEPT MY SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF CHARLIE. I ALWAYS KNOWN CHARLIE TO BE A KIND, INTELLIGENT, HONEST AND GENTLE PERSON. WITHOUT A DOUBT, ONE OF THE FINEST MEN I HAD EVER THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWNING. WHEN I USHERED AT ST. PATRICK’S IN HUNTINGTON IN THE SIDE CHAPEL, I OFTEN SAW HIM THERE FOR SUNDAY MASS.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.I had the pleasure of working with Charlie at GRUMMAN in Pl.1.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Charles (or ‘Chuckles’ as Mary Beth used to refer to him to me in college) was my ‘stand in dad’ through most of my college years when I it was too far to go home or too far for my parents to come to an event. I always appreciated the way he made me feel like one of his kids at those times, and I wish that I had thanked him for it more at the time. My condolences on the loss of such a kind and loving man.