Edwin Burwell Jones Whitmore, III

MARION, Va.

Edwin Burwell Jones Whitmore III, 73, passed away on December 22, 2018 at Francis Marion Manor.

He was born on October 5, 1945, to the late Dr. E.B.J. Whitmore, Jr. and Claudine Price Burkholder Whitmore. The family located to Marion in 1955 and Ed's passion and love for the community continued throughout his life.

Ed was a graduate of Virginia Tech and a life-long Hokies fan. Following graduation in 1968, he briefly served as Editor of the Smyth County News before enlisting in the U.S. Army and served for 3 years on active duty. As a member of the Army Reserve, he served as Liaison Officer to the Admissions Staff of the U.S. Military Academy until his retirement in 1997, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was employed by Dominion Bankshares Corporation for 23 years as a Commercial Loan Officer and was promoted to Assistant Vice-President before being selected as the Vice-President for Economic Development and Legislative Affairs in 1998.

He returned to Virginia Tech in 1993 as a Research Associate and Assistant Director for the New Century Council. In 1998, he was appointed to the position of County Administrator for Smyth County until his retirement in 2009.

Ed was very active in civic and governmental affairs throughout his life, serving locally  as a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Marion Town Council, District Three Area Agency on Aging, Smyth County School Board, Marion Planning Commission, Smyth County Industrial Certification Program,  the Return to Roots Program and the Regional Jail Board. He was a founding member of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Statewide, he was appointed by several governors to various state boards including the Virginia Economic Bridge Initiative,  Virginia Public Telecommunications Board, Commission on the Future of Southwest Virginia, New Century Technology Council, Center for Innovative Leadership, Blue Ridge Public Television, Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Plan Task Force, National Governor’s Association Workforce Policy Academy, and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Ed was an enthusiastic sports fan. He coached  little league basketball in the 1970's and served for several years as the broadcaster for Marion High School football and basketball games on WMEV. Ed was an avid golfer and member of Holston Hills Country Club for over 40 years.

A lifelong member of  Christ Episcopal Church, he often served on the vestry and as treasurer. In 2012, he suffered debilitating health issues, which he handled until the end of his life with incredible courage, grace and his characteristic sarcastic sense of humor.  He was a devoted friend to many and even after his health declined made a special effort to keep in touch by phone with his classmates, golf buddies and business associates.

Left to treasure the memory of his life is his wife of 33 years, Beverly Haddock, and their three beloved pets; his sisters, Ann Whitmore (Buddy), Mary Barton (Roger); brother, John Whitmore (Kim); several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to extraordinary caregivers: Kenny Edwards, Betty McClure, Angie Anderson, Ron Thomas, Donna Seymour and Karen Groff who assisted in the care of their loved one until his passing.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 3 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church, 409 West Main Street, Marion VA 24354, with Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon and from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Smyth County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1124, Marion, VA 24354; Christ Episcopal Church, c/o Bob Shults, P.O. Box 189, Marion VA 24354; or your charity of choice.

To share memories of Edwin B.J. Whitmore, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Ed’s family has been entrusted to Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. 24354.