LtCol (Ret.) Roy Arthur Whitmire passed away on 28 July 2017 at Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, N.C. Roy was born in Greensboro, N.C. on February 4, 1931 and was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Galloway Whitmire; his first wife, Betty Jo Brown and his second wife, Betsy Biggs Davies. He is survived by his current wife Sharon Woodcock, 4 children: Christina, Richard, Wayne and Lynn. Also, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. From February 1947 to July 1948 Whit served in the U.S. Army as an enlisted man. During some of that time, he stood as a guard at the Nurenburg War Crime Trials. In June 1952, he received a commission into the U.S. Army. His military assignments included the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War as well as many assignments in the United States and Europe. His military awards included the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal 1st OLC, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Medal and Parachute Badge. In 1964, he graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS degree in Government studies. In 1967 he graduated from the University of Alabama with an MBA degree. He retired in 1974 after 28 years of service. Following his military career he became the Vice-President for Business and Chief Financial Officer of Methodist College (now Methodist University) in Fayetteville, N.C. He was in that position from 1975 until 1990. He then worked full time as a Real Estate Broker with Prudential, John Koening Realtors in Fayetteville. In 2004, he moved to Hendersonville NC to be nearer family and the mountains. He enjoyed flying both single and multi-engine planes. He was qualified as a commercial pilot and gave flying lessons to many of his colleagues. Since 1954, he had been an active member of the Masonic Lodge AFAAM, Past Master and Scottish Rite as a Shriner. He was extremely active and a life time member of the National Sojourners. While living in Fayetteville, he was a Kiwanis member and in many other civic organizations. He often spoke publicly about civic and social issues affecting his community. Roy was also active in the Retired Officer's Association. He was a long-time member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He will be remembered as a man of many interests who loved to hear raindrops on rooftops! Before his death, Whit requested there be no services. A scattering of his ashes will occur at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Elizabeth House at 581 South Allen Rd., Hendersonville,NC 28731 or the Masonic Home for Children at 600 W. College St., Oxford, NC 27565.

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