Roland Whitman

Pontotoc - Roland Lafayette Whitman, 85, died Sunday, January 10, 2010, at The North Mississippi Medical Center after a sudden illness. A Brilliant, Ala. native, he was born December 27, 1924, to Joseph Lafayette and Ida Cochran Whitman. He served four years in the US Army during World War II as a heavy artillary machinist, serving in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He enjoyed flower gardening and building things. He was a active member of Doty Chapel Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and served on various committees.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Jim Manley officiating. Burial will be in Gilvo Cemetery.

Survivors include two sons, Larry J. Whitman of Sylmar, Calif. and James L. Whitman (Roz) of Newberry Park, Calif.; two grandsons, Adam and Bryan Whitman; four great-grandchildren; his niece and caregiver, Donna Harmon of Pontotoc; several nieces and nephews; his special friend, Faye Tartt of Shannon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Adine Whiteman who died December 16, 1993; two brothers, Elbert and Leonard, and one sister, Jewell Sloan; one nephew, Jerry Sloan; his step-mother, Annie Cook Whitman.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Sloan, Daniel Sloan, Caleb Sloan, Bobby Stafford, Lee Moore, Brad Clayton, and James Oswalt.

Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.