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CHURCH HILL – Sherman Orville Whitaker, an Army World War II veteran, went to his heavenly home Monday, March 30, 2020. He was 99. The birth and death of Sherman is not nearly as relevant as the days he lived.

Sherman Whitaker was born August 3rd, 1920 in Jonesbourogh Tennessee to John and Vendora Whitaker. He accepted Christ and became a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Mount Carmel Tennessee.

Sherman received his education through 8th grade. In 1937 at age 17 he entered the civilian conservation corp that was operated by the Department of Army. President Roosevelt ordered the beginning of the CCC camp in order to put young people to work. This camp helped prepare Sherman for military service. The money he made was sent home to help support his family during the war. During this time, he built roads, dams and whatever else was needed by the government. He remained there until 1939.

Between 1939-1942 Sherman lived in Kingsport Tn and worked as a gas attendant. He then decided to work construction at Holston Ordinates to build the future Holston Army Ammunition Plant.

Sherman was drafted and entered the Army November 6, 1942 at age 19. He completed his infantry training and was sent to Langley Field Air Force Base in Virginia to receive 40mm anti-aircraft gun training in order to protect the east coast.

On August 6, 1943 Sherman married the love of his life Henrietta. They had three children Butch, Nickie and Steve.

Sherman deployed overseas from Seattle Washington to the South Pacific Theater. He landed in Hiroshima near Okinawa. He served there until the Japanese flew into the airstrip, boarded a ship and signed the treaty to end World War II. When the war ended the 388th anti craft artillery unit was transferred to southern Korea and took over as military police. Sherman returned home December 24, 1945.

Sherman worked as a laborer at Holston Army Ammunition Plant for 61 cents per hour. Next, he transitioned working in general stores at the plant to control inventory and supplies. From there he became the assistant property administrator. In that title he was the operating contractor for 6000 acres along with all the buildings and equipment for the government. Sherman completed many course hours of extensive training to enhance his job performance. May 4, 1974 Sherman retired after 28 years. In total he gave a total of 32 years to public service.

After retirement Sherman continued to give back to his community. His accomplished list of volunteer service included:

*VFW (Veteran of Foreign Affairs)
He lead numerous military funerals with great pride
*City of Mount Carmel Ruritan Club
An organization founded to help grow the community
*American Red Cross
*Retired and senior volunteer program
*American Legion (50 years)
*Church Hill Community Chest
Participation requested by the mayor. He worked to meet the needs of the community
*Boy Scouts of America- Leader
*Senior Citizen of Church Hill
Participated in the Meals on Wheels program delivering meals to homebound senior citizens

Sherman is immensely loved by his family and friends. Although his absence will forever be felt, his legacy, integrity, character and profound love for his country will forever remain. All that loved him will continue to be a circle of strength, founded by faith, joined in love and kept together by God forever.

Sherman was preceded in death by his daughter in law Jan Whitaker and his loving wife Henrietta.

Those left to carry on his legacy are sisters, Zella Roberts and Barbara Dregar; son, Butch Whitaker; daughter and son in law, Nickie and Tom Pippin; granddaughter and husband Christina and Brian Wilkerson, Donna and Steve Moore; grandson Don and Rhonda Pippin, Steve and Julie Whitaker and Chip and Teresa Whitaker; 11 great grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren several nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family members.

A private service will be held for the family. Due to the state restrictions of COVID – 19, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit us at www.johnsonarrowood.com or call us at 423-357-4113.