Francis Whitson

DEERFIELD, VA

Francis Leo “Bud” Whitson, 88, of Deerfield passed away Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Kings Daughters Community Health and Rehabilitation Center.  He was born July 12, 1927 in North Carolina a son of the late Marion Monroe and Nellie Jane (Adkins) Whitson.

Bud was an auto body repairman at Whitson’s Auto Body. Mr. Whitson was a member and deacon at Deerfield Baptist Church, as well as a charter member of Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, raising a garden and sharing the produce with neighbors.

Surviving family members include his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Josephine (Collins) Whitson, whom he married April 29, 1950; three daughters, Jean Smith and husband, Randy of Deerfield, Joyce Smith and husband, Ron of Roanoke and Julie Wales and husband, Timmy of  Churchville; two sons, Ken Whitson and wife, Patty of Deerfield and Dennis Whitson of Deerfield; as well as eight grandchildren, Shane Smith and Jasmine, Laura Matthews and Kelly, Chad Smith, Trevor Smith and Amanda, Chris Smith and Starr, Samantha Cooper and Matthew, Shawn Wales and Heisha and Dylan Wales; five great-granddaughters, Gracen, Piper, Adi, Emily and Karsen and his sister, Louise Johnson of Lignum.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by ten siblings.

A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at         Deerfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Curtis Crawford officiating.   Burial will follow in Deerfield Community Cemetery.  His grandsons will serve as active pallbearers and the deacons of Deerfield Baptist Church, as well as Frank Berry, Tom Berry, Ben Berry, William Berry, David Whitson, Daniel Whitson, Bobby Whitson and Neil Whitson will serve as honorary pallbearers.

A public viewing will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  The family will receive friends during a meal of fellowship following the interment at Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Deerfield Valley Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue, c/o Betty Graham, P.O. Box 19, Deerfield, VA or Deerfield Community Cemetery, c/o Ray Swats, 3560 Deerfield Valley Rd, Deerfield, VA 24432.