September 17, 1949 — April 23, 2025
Michael Roger Whitfield, age 75, passed peacefully at Memorial Hospital under the care of Gentiva Hospice after a brief illness.
He was born in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina on September 17, 1949, to Roger and Mary Whitfield.
Mike grew up on the family farm in Bushy Fork Community. Working alongside his family growing flue cured tobacco and gardens helped to mold his strong work ethic and love of the land. After graduating from high school in 1968, he started his career with the American Tobacco Company. In 1969, he was drafted by the Army. He completed his training at Fort Bragg in 1969 before being honorably discharged due to a hardship. That hardship was his father’s failing health, which brought him back to the family farm. This decision showed his deep sense of duty, not just to country, but to family.
Following his departure from the Army, he continued his career at the American Tobacco Company. He later moved to Register, Georgia in 1977. On August 7, 1980, Mike’s only child, Jason Michael Whitfield, was born. In April of 1992, Mike purchased his very own farm in Register. After retiring from the American Tobacco Company in 1994, he worked with DeFair Farms and Soggy Bottom Farms until 2014.
Following retirement, Mike found peace in the little things. He loved spending time outdoors, fishing, hunting, and working on his farm. His faithful dog, Maggie, was always by his side. They were often seen together around the farm or out for a ride. He could be found frequently mowing grass or tending to a corn patch. He never missed a chance to go to Waffle House or browse at Lowe’s. These small routines gave him joy in his later years.
Mike rarely missed visiting his former wife and best friend, Martha Ann Whitfield, at Brown’s Nursing Home after her health declined. Mike was very proud of his son, Jason Michael Whitfield; daughter-in-law, Andrea; and his “grandbabies”, Tanner and Taylor Ruby. His home was full of family photos and newspaper clippings showing their achievements.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Roger Elliott Whitfield and Mary Jones Whitfield; brother, Jerry Wayne Whitfield; ex-wife and best friend, Martha Ann Whitfield; stepson, Robert Wayne Deloach; step-son, Brian Howell; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins from North Carolina.
He is survived by his son Jason (Andrea) Whitfield of Statesboro, GA; sister, Shirley Alease Whitfield of Concord, NC; 2 grand-children, Tanner & Taylor Ruby Whitfield of Statesboro, GA; three step-daughters, Gwen (Stevie) Cleary of Metter, GA; Sheresa (Bobby) Steptoe of Statesboro, GA; Heidi (Charles) Rachels of Bartow, GA; two step-sons, Calvin (Loureena) DeLoach and Corbett (Lorna) DeLoach of Statesboro, GA; and several special step-grandchildren.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jason Brannen, Josh Brannen, Jerry Deal, Calvin Deloach, John "Corbett" Deloach, Josh Thompson and Tanner Whitfield.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 28, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Deal Funeral Directors with the service following in the chapel at 2:00 pm. Mike will be buried at Bulloch Memorial Gardens following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Legion.
Deal Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
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