Harold Owen Whitehurst
Harold Owen Whitehurst, 99, died in Live Oak, Florida, on April, 20, 2016, and was laid to rest at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery on April 23.
Prior to moving to Live Oak in 1988, Mr. Whitehurst resided in Plant City. He was born to William Phillip and Emily Leifeste Whitehurst on August 26, 1916 and had five siblings: Fritz, Willard, Frances, William and Buddy.
He graduated from Plant City High School in 1934, served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Alabama, did clerical work at shipyards in Pensacola and Tampa and ran a Texaco gas station in Plant City before being hired in 1947 by Clifford and Ethel Hardee to work in the office of Plant City Tank and Welding (Plant City Steel, HARSCO). He enjoyed a long, successful career there as executive vice president and part-owner until retiring in 1967 to pursue other interests.
He eventually entered the real estate business as a sales associate at Gibbs Real Estate. He later obtained his brokers license and opened Whitehurst Realty adjacent to his self-serve storage facility on West Baker Street.
He continued his real estate career after moving to Live Oak.
Anyone who knew him realized his strong Christian faith influenced every aspect of his life. The Bible was his guidebook, and he shared his love of God wherever he went. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Plant City, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and leader of the Royal Ambassadors, a Christian organization for young men.
He was a charter member of Whitehurst Road Baptist Church, which he assisted in establishing on property donated by the William Phillip Whitehurst family. He continued his service there as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and Royal Ambassadors leader.
He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Live Oak at the time of his death.
He was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. His children adored him and considered him their hero. He was always there for them with an arm around their shoulder and an encouraging word. He never met a stranger and thought the best of everyone. He derived great satisfaction from helping others and insisted on doing so without recognition.
He had a great love of travel. He flew planes, rode motorcycles (once to Alaska) and drove his trusty Volkswagon Camper down the backroads of America. He fell in love with Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and bought a mountain cabin to surround himself with the grandeur and beauty of Grand Teton. He lived life to the fullest and touched many lives along the way. His memory will be cherished by all who loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Madonna Whitehurst; daughter, Sylvia Wilson; son, Phillip (Kathy) Whitehurst; grandchildren, Mark, Chad, Daniel, Stephanie (Johnny), Rebecca (Kyle) and Regan; six great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and an extended family of loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Hilton; former wife and mother of his children, Willamae Whitehurst; and siblings.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Whitehurst Road Baptist Church, 901 Whitehurst Road, Plant City. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of him may want to consider the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Lakeland or Gideons International.
