Darrell Whitehurst, 93, of Panama City, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2016. He was born June 26, 1922, in Panama City, to Oscar and Bera Mae Whitehurst. He served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie Virginia Fleming Whitehurst, and his siblings Edris, Aubrey, Anita and Iris. He is survived by a sister, Janice Whitehurst, a daughter, Aleene Day (Tommy), and a son, Forrest Fleming Whitehurst (Carol Ann). Grandchildren include Susan Harrison (William), Terri Boone (Jim), Sallie Brosnan (Sean), Forrest Whitehurst, Jr. (Chylon), Kathryn Whitehurst and Jason Day (Lauren). Great grandchildren include Cooper Harrison, Morgan Harrison, Reagan Harrison, Kennedy Harrison, Ashley Boone, Latham Boone, Reese Whitehurst, Reilly Whitehurst, Matthew Owen Day, Silas James Day and Jonathan Riley Day, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He grew up attending a little white Methodist church in St. Andrews where his mother took him and his siblings, helping them stay close to God in good and bad times. He remained a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church throughout his life. After graduating from Bay High School, Mr. Whitehurst enlisted in the US Army Air Corps where he fought in the Pacific Theater, specifically in the Battles of Leyte Gulf and New Guinea. After the war he returned home to manage Whitehurst Service Station on Beach Drive, and later worked at Panama Machinery & Supply Company until his retirement.
Darrell was utterly devoted to his family, and he exhibited a generous spirit throughout his life. He had numerous childhood and professional friends who stayed close throughout the years. He was loved and admired by the staff and residents of Community Health & Rehabilitation Center, and the family is grateful for the care and attention he received while a resident there.
Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. John Brannon and Rev. Amy Persons-Parks will officiate. Asked to serve as pall bearers are Les Brackett, Arvester Lee Davis, Jason Day, Robert A. Fleming, Carl Gay, and Forrest Whitehurst, Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church in honor of Darrell Whitehurst.