Darwin Lee Whitman Sr.

Darwin Lee Whitman, Sr

October 27, 1939 - October 11, 2026

 Born on October 27th, 1939, in Manistique, Michigan, Darwin was the youngest child of Clayton Whitman and Irene Cornell. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Joyce Colbaugh Williams Whitman, his brother, Arlin Whitman, and three of his children, Dawn McGahan, Becky Whitman, and Scott Whitman.

Darwin is survived by his children, Darwin (April) Whitman, Jr., Reva (Steve) Whitman Parker, and Gene (Jennifer) Whitman; his stepchildren, Rita Williams Murphy, Connie (Joe) Williams Anderson, and Robin Williams; his grandchildren, Caleb Whitman, Joshua Whitman, Matthew Whitman, Madison Whitman, Amy Collins, Basil McGahan, Cissy McGahan, Joshua Dutton, Holly Whitman, Jeffrey Antes, Dustin Antes, Cody Whitman, Rebecca Romero, Nicholas Whitman, and Lydia Whitman; and his step-grandchildren, Megan Everts and Benjamin Anderson. He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mavis Whitman, as well as a beloved extended family of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Darwin was a veteran of the United States Army, where he served as Medical Corpsman, providing medical care and support to his fellow service members. His commitment to helping others remained a defining characteristic through his life. 

A resident of Spencer, Tennessee, Darwin was a devoted and active member of the Spencer Seventh-day Adventist Church. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Theological Studies and a Master's degree in Religious Education. As the founder and teacher of Sanctuary Classes International, Darwin spent decades sharing his faith and biblical knowledge across North America. Beginning in 1986, and up to this year, he traveled extensively, teaching through interactive sanctuary models and multimedia presentations that inspired and educated countless individuals and groups.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Graysville Seventh-day Adventist Church on November 21st, 2026. All are invited to attend the morning services, which begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m., followed by a fellowship luncheon in the center next door. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m. (all times Eastern). The church is located at 4261 Dayton Avenue, Graysville, Tennessee 37338.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Laurelbrook: Nursing Home - Laurelbrook Academy or to Hospice of Chattanooga in gratitude for the compassionate care and support provided to Darwin and his family. Online donations to Hospice of Chattanooga may be made at Hospice of Chattanooga - Serving Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina

 You are invited to share a personal memory of Darwin or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.