Ross Livingston Whitfield

Ross Livingston Whitfield died Monday, October 28th unexpectantly after suffering a medical emergency while driving. Ross was born January 6, 1944 to Susie and Luther Whitfield on their tobacco farm in Bushy Fork, NC. The farm continues to stay within the family and Ross enjoyed nothing more than cutting grass and planting pine trees there. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard Whitfield (brother), Emma Lou Lemaire (sister) and mother-in-law Alice Ipock. Surviving are his wife of almost 57 years Mary Alice Whitfield. Son James “Jimmy” Whitfield and wife Jessica Whitfield of The Woodlands, TX. Daughter Amy Whitfield Bumpus and husband Paul Bumpus of Garner. Grandchildren Jayden Nicole Bumpus (Amy), Madison Lane Whitfield (James), Mia Rose Whitfield (James) and Macy Olivia Bumpus (Amy). His granddaughters were ‘the apple of his eye’ until the very end. Also surviving are sisters Peggy Chappell from Walnut Creek, CA and Patsy Wilson (husband Jimmy Wilson) from Bushy Fork, NC.

He graduated from Roxboro High School in 1962. After high school, he enrolled at Chowan College for two years where he ran track. Ross took a break from his studies as he entered the United States Coast Guard, where he served for four years. He was stationed in Seattle (USCGC Wachusett – WHEC-44) and Portland. He often spoke about being a member of the Domain of the Golden Dragon (unofficial honor given to those that sail across the International Date Line) and loved to quote: “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning.”

Upon being honorably discharged, he enrolled at his beloved alma mater NC State where he ran cross country and graduated with a Parks and Recreation Administration degree. That degree led him to Garner, where he became the Town’s first full-time Director of Parks and Recreation. While there, Ross was responsible for developing and building Garner’s first town park (Garner Recreational Park) and South Garner Park. He continued to advocate for Garner parks until the end, frequenting city council meetings to debate development that could impact Garner Recreational Park.

Following his time with the Town of Garner, Ross was employed by Rex Hospital as Safety and Security Director for 10 years, before retiring and starting a small business (A&J Furniture Restoration – named after his son and daughter).

Ross loved his dogs (Cooper, Schmidtty, Smokey, Butch, Heidi and especially Alfie)… He took great joy in walking them.

He loved Garner, working on his Bushy Fork farm and his Roxboro High School classmates. He passionately followed Wolfpack sports, usually turning down the sound to listen to Wally Ausley, Gary Dornburg or Gary Hahn call the action. He loved to read historical books. He especially enjoyed American Legion baseball where he served as Athletic Officer and public address announcer for over 20 years. Generations of Garner ballplayers will remember “Talkin’ Baseball” (Ross loved to play that song on the baseball field speakers between innings) and the American Legion baseball code of conduct (recited before each game).

Most of all, Ross loved his family. He loved his son and daughter and his precious granddaughters. If at all possible, he was present at any school function, sporting events or other important occasions in their lives. But, he may have taken the most satisfaction in helping others with simple home tasks… Letting a dog out. Planting trees. Changing the car’s oil. He was a quiet, kind and modest man, preferring to express his love through service.

Special thanks to the Garner Fire and Police Department, Wake County EMS and UNC Rex Healthcare Emergency Department for their loving care Monday afternoon. The family is so appreciative of their professionalism, helping us navigate this difficult situation.

Visitation will be held at Bryan Lee Funeral Home (1200 Benson Rd, Garner, NC 27529) on Saturday, November 2nd from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 3rd at Overflow Church (8280 NC 50 N, Angier, NC 27501) at 2 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to Garner Nationals American Legion Post 232 Baseball (c/o Chris Cook) at 403 Summers Walk Circle, Garner, NC 27529, Samaritan’s Purse or any charity of choice.