James Robert Whitehead,
69, went home to glory Friday morning, June 11, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was the son of the late Master Chief Willie Robert Whitehead (USN) Ret. and Ethel (Stotler) Whitehead and step-son of the late Mary O. Whitehead.
Mr. Whitehead, a graduate of North Kingstown High School, took lessons in dance, piano, trumpet and drums in his youth as well as belonging to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and little league. As children Mr. Whitehead, along with his sister, enjoyed countless hours riding their go-cart, ponies and taking care of their dogs and cats. They had a good childhood and remained close into adulthood. After high school Mr. Whitehead entered the U. S. Army and served faithfully being honorably discharged. During his tenure, in the military, he was awarded numerous medals and achieved the rank of Staff Sargent. Mr. Whitehead served 4 tours of duty overseas: 2 in Seoul, South Korea, 1 in Stuttgart, Germany, and 1 in Baden-Baden, Germany. After his honorable discharge, from the military, Mr. Whitehead worked at Wal-Mart for many years before his health forced him into early retirement. While Mr. Whitehead was born and raised in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, he lived in Jasper, Texas for well over 20 years following his honorable discharge from the Army.
Mr. Whitehead is predeceased by his parents, Master Chief Willie Robert Whitehead (USN) Ret., Ethel (Stotler) Whitehead, step-mother Mary O. Whitehead, and brother-in-law Mr. Aram Raky. He is survived by his devoted sister Dr. Elizabeth A. (Whitehead) Raky, of North Kingstown, RI, several cousins, and his former care taker Priscilla Bailey, all living in the great state of Texas. He will be sorely missed by all.
I wish to publicly and personally thank the nursing staff, and all, at Shady Acres Nursing Home in Newton, TX for taking such good care of my brother and loving him during the last several months of his earthly journey. Thank you for allowing him to call me whenever he wanted or needed so we could talk and for taking my numerous calls several times weekly to check on his condition, progress, prognosis and so I could make decisions, about his care, as the situation necessitated. Also, many thanks for your willingness to pray with him especially during times when his health seemed to be deteriorating. "I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16.
The American and Armenian flags, that fly outside our home, have been lowered to half-staff for 1 week to honor my brother and his service to our country.
A graveside service, followed by burial with full military honors, was held in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, 6365 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 17, 2021. Condolences may also be offered to his family and remembrances of him shared online at
www.shultzfuneralhomeofjasper.com
or on Facebook at Shultz Funeral Home &Crematory. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Providence Rescue Mission at
providencerescuemission.org
or by mail to PO Box 72753, Providence, RI 02907-0753 will be greatly appreciated.
Mr. Whitehead is a sinner saved by grace and is now safely in the arms of his Savior. Glory to God!
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