Floyd Lee Whitfield's Obituary
Floyd Lee Whitfield —Sunrise, January 12, 1932 { Peanut • Sonny • Whit } Sunset; October 9, 2022
“Peanut” never had a bike to ride. However, he did have a pig, a big ol’ sow he rode on.
He wasn’t allowed to have a BB-gun, but rabbits and squirrels feared becoming the next notch etched into the Slingshot hanging out the back pocket of his overalls. Born to Will Whitfield & Georgia Jackson. Arcadia, (Bienville Parish) Louisiana. “Peanut” Floyd never knew his mother. He was raised for a short while by his father before he passed on to glory, and his siblings continued raising him up, and each other. Floyd accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized early on. In his relationship with Our Father in heaven [who is GOD], by always quietly watching within earshot of grown folk’s business, he began to develop his instincts in measuring up people through their actions and by the truth in their words. Wisdom that guided, protected, and helped him become a survivor in his life’s journey. Hard living in the south, strong country work ethic, survivability through responsibility for himself, his brother and sisters, helping and being there for neighboring families trying to make ends meet as well, along with many memorable joys of good down-home living —cookin’ and good eats included— grew Peanut up to become a big, strong, resourceful, independent, respectful young man for whom his folks dearly called, Sonny. “Sonny” Widely known throughout the Bienville parish as a tenacious, relentless hellion of an all-prep football player on the gridiron for the Webster Wolves. And, after coming back from a tour in the Navy and finishing up high school, he got back in the game, playing college football at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as a Sociology major. All, part of the fighting spirit he will forever be. A Ship Fitter and Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, Floyd served several tours of duty including the Korean War, Cuban Crisis, and Vietnam War. Honorably discharged with many awards of service, Floyd worked at Ballast Point Naval Center Point Loma, San Diego CA, as a fuel line Pipefitter, and later was promoted to project manager, then transitioned to field safety inspector for the Naval Supply Center until he retired. While stationed in Long Beach, CA early in his naval career, Floyd reunited with his dearest friend and love, Webster high school classmate Patsy Sue Johnson. They married and soon began raising a family, setting down roots in the Birdland community of San Diego and making a life together. “Whit” His Family, his greatest love. A king, affectionately known to all as Whit. Child of the Most High God, husband, dad, hearty storyteller, romping piggybacker, protector, provider, faithful supporter and overseer, advisor, friend; Not a perfect man, but a proud-quiet-praying man, righteous and wise, always grateful and giving God the glory for his blessings. Floyd’s life experiences, a testament to the truth instilled in his family: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:11-13. Whit’s joys: Family get-togethers and events, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Working his country green thumb in his yards and gardens. Down-home cookin’ —cooking it and eating it— and Asian buffets. Road trips & Sightseeing, Houseboating. Shopping at stores and in catalogs (Thanksgiving Dinner and giving lots of family Christmas gifts, was his jam!). Armchair quarterbacking the Raiders and Saints games, while general managing personnel moves for the LA Lakers from behind his TV tray. Keeping up with the News & World Affairs, and taking it easy watching Sci-Fi and Country Western movies; a favorite. Always one to speak his mind, Floyd stood with justice and hope for the little man. He blessed his fellow Military Veteran brothers, The Redtail Legacy (Tuskegee Airmen), St. Jude for Children, and several other organizations and causes that lift people up, with his faithful giving. In his homegoing, Floyd was preceded by beloved wife Patsy Sue Johnson, brother Willie Whitfield, sisters Gracie Barlow, Eunice Rabb, and Daisy Rhodes. He is survived by his children Norja Rodman, Kevin and Barry Whitfield; Grandchildren Charisse, Davina, Mark, Nyah, Nia, Na’im; Great-grandchildren Levi, Brooks, Rogan, Lottie, Tillie; Nieces Gwen “Soupie” Shelby & Family, Belinda Herron & Family; Extended Family & Friends, and dear Webster Schoolmates. A respected and beloved resident of San Diego for over 57 years. It’s evident that he will forever be missed yet never forgotten. May Peanut, Sonny, Whit, (Floyd Lee Whitfield) live forever in God’s loving embrace forever. In Jesus’s name—Amen.
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