George Wallace Whitehead

Asheville – George Wallace Whitehead, 83, of Asheville died Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the VA Medical Center in Asheville. Mr. Whitehead was born in Westminster, SC on December 8, 1927 and was a United States Navy Veteran where he served during World War II. After being discharged, George attended Bulova Watch Making School and was in the jewelry business for ten years. He was later employed by Pilot Life Insurance Company where he worked as a salesman for over 24 years. Since his retirement Mr. Whitehead had enjoyed volunteering with Hospice Treasures and Blue Ridge Broadcasting. George had been a member of Biltmore Baptist Church since 1966 and was a faithful member of the Men's Golden Rule class. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Janice Fennell Whitehead; a daughter, Cindy Perry and her husband, Alvin of Candler; a son, Jim Whitehead of Pawley's Island, SC; and grandchildren, Jason, Stacy, Noah and Joshua. Also surviving are brothers, John and Myke Weeks; Bobby, Billy, Joe and Ron Moore; and sisters, Vermell Phillips and Rachel Moore. In addition, he is survived by a very special mother-in-law, Frances Fennell, of Easley, SC. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian at 2:00 pm with Reverend Rick Morton officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. The family would like to express their appreciation to all the staff and caregivers at the VA Medical Center and the Community Living Center for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the "Hospice Fund" c/o Charles A. George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805 or to the Mature Adults Reaching People (MARP) at Biltmore Baptist Church, Arden, NC 28704 or to one's favorite charity.