Durward “Don” Garland Whitfield, 84, passed away peacefully with family at his side at Life Care of Redbank on July 1, 2020.
He was born on Sept. 16, 1935, in Charlotte, N.C.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Durward Garland and Louise Chandler Whitfield and his son, Bart Whitfield.
He is survived by his college sweetheart, Jane Pierce Whitfield and daughter, Beverly (Richard) Hanson, and son, Judd (Lorna) Whitfield and granddaughter, Andrea; sisters, Martha (Charles) Sternbergh and Dottie (Tony) Evans; nieces and nephews.
Don graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He was an avid “Tar Heel” all of his life, and a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity where he developed lifelong friendships. Don served our nation in the US Air Force. He was a member of Grace Works Church in Chattanooga.
He was an executive in the floor covering industry for more than 30 years, working principally with Shaw Industries. He is credited with having built the innovation and highly successful (and notorious!) rug division for Shaw Industries. Along the way, he mentored many who later became top executives in the industry. After retiring from Shaw, he served as a consultant to flooring businesses throughout the country. An avid golfer, boating enthusiast and airplane pilot, Don lived life to the fullest, rarely missing any opportunity for a new adventure. He will be missed by many whose lives he touched, influenced and changed.
Arrangements are by the Neptune Society and the Chattanooga Funeral Home. Don will rest beside his son Bart in California.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Summit View Senior Community for their kind, compassionate care of Don during the last year of his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Summit View Community Fund, 825 Runyan Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37405.
Please share your memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.